John - a former Blades defender - joined the club as head of the Academy at Shirecliffe in the summer of 2010 after a spell as first team coach at Crystal Palace, helping them remain in the Championship. Earlier in his coaching career he had a lengthy spell with Nottingham Forest, working with the youth and reserve teams before having a short spell as caretaker manager.

As a player, he represented Crewe Alexandra, Crystal Palace, United - playing 77 games - and Leeds before moving into coaching. In his first season he guided the Blades to the final of the FA Youth Cup for the very first time.