John Groves

John Groves Date of Birth: Sep 16, 1933

Son of pre-war Derby star Arthur who played alongside Luton manager Dally Duncan at the Baseball Ground, it was pre-ordained that young John should sign on for the Hatters just before his 16th birthday.

After National Service, John made his Luton debut as an inside-forward before reverting to his favoured wing-half position and going on make over 250 appearances with the highlight of his Hatters career coming in the 1959 FA Cup final.

A move to Bournemouth followed in 1963 but after two seasons he had to retire due to a back injury. He then settled back in his native Derby where he worked for Courtaulds for 30 years. John was still an occasional visitor to Kenilworth Road until the time of his death in 2017.