*Indicates unconfirmed information. Figures in brackets after English team names indicate all appearances made and goals scored in competitive matches for Football League clubs from 1888 onwards. For Scottish League clubs the figures show details of all competitive appearances and goals scored from 1946/47 onwards.
John Brunning
Appearances: 13+6 Goals: 1
Date / Year of birth: 1974*
Position: Midfielder / Winger
Season of first appearance: 1996/97
Season of last appearance: 1996/97
Also played for: West Ham United (0), Leyton Orient (0), Billericay Town, Fisher Athletic (London) and Erith & Belvedere
Attacking player who started his career in West Ham's youth set-up. During the 1991/92 season John played for the Hammers' South Eastern Counties League side and he also featured in the reserves.
He joined Leyton Orient as a trainee for the 1992/93 campaign and then moved on to Billericay but during his time with the Essex club John suffered a severe shoulder injury that kept him out of football for two years.
In the summer of 1996 John returned to football when he signed for Margate and he made his debut as a substitute in a 4-1 win over Yate at Hartsdown Park on 17.8.96 - the first game of Chris Kinnear's reign as manager. John also came on as a substitute in Margate's next game at Fisher Athletic on 20.8.96 and scored in a 3-2 win. The Isle of Thanet Gazette said his goal was "well-taken" - a low drive into the corner of the net. After five substitute appearances John made his first start in a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Tonbridge Angels on 3.9.96 and he then started 12 of Margate's next 13 matches, usually playing in midfield. The Thanet Times said he was "impressive" in a 2-1 defeat at Forest Green on 7.9.96 whilst the Isle of Thanet Gazette said John's "aggressive runs gave Fisher the most cause for concern" during a 3-1 home defeat against the Londoners on 24.9.96. The paper also said he was "terrier-like" and John's committed display as Margate lost 2-1 at home to Aldershot in an FA Trophy tie on 19.10.96 led the Thanet Times to describe him as "a dogged little grafter".
He continued to earn praise from the local press as the weeks passed and the Gazette said John "battled like a beaver but lacked a shooting touch" in a 2-0 win over Erith & Belvedere at Hartsdown Park on 29.10.96. By then he was nearing the end of his spell with Margate and shortly after playing in a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Bromley on 5.11.96 John was released. He'd scored once in 19 appearances (six as sub).
John joined Fisher immediately after leaving Hartsdown Park along with his team-mate John Embery and scored on his debut in a 4-1 win at Dartford on 20.11.96. John stayed with the Fish until the end of the 1998/99 season.
He linked up with Erith & Belvedere for the 1999/00 campaign and went on to score four goals in 17 appearances (two as sub) during two injury ravaged seasons with the Deres before retiring from senior football.
|
SEASON (CLUB) |
FULL (MAX) |
SUB |
GLS |
|
FAC |
KSC |
KLC |
KSS |
|
|
1996/97 (MFC) |
13 (48) |
6 |
1 |
SOUTHERN LEAGUE SOUTHERN DIV. (5TH OF 22) |
PR |
1QR |
2R |
1R |