The York City community is mourning the death of former goalkeeping coach John Vaughan at the age of 62. Tributes have poured in from a host of Football League clubs where the popular coach worked after his playing career. The news arrives as the current York side, who sit sixth in League Two on 17 points after 11 games, prepare for their next fixture at home to Port Vale on Saturday 24 October.
Vaughan, a goalkeeper who came through at West Ham United, began his transition into coaching with a part-time role at York City in 2003. He worked alongside then-manager Chris Brass and also contributed to the club's academy setup. His 18-year playing career included a permanent move to Fulham in 1986 and spells with Preston North End and Lincoln City.
Coaching chapters
After his time at Bootham Crescent, Vaughan built a respected coaching career across Yorkshire and beyond. He spent six years as Huddersfield Town's goalkeeping coach between 2006 and 2012. A subsequent move to Birmingham City was followed by a spell back in Yorkshire with Barnsley, where he worked under managers including Lee Johnson and Daniel Stendel. His most recent role was as goalkeeper coach at Bradford City, a position he held until 2022, before a brief stint in Sheffield United's academy.
Tributes from across the game
Clubs where Vaughan worked have been united in their sorrow. A Bradford City spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with John's family and loved ones at this devastating time. Rest in peace, John." Huddersfield Town simply stated, "Once a Terrier, always a Terrier," while Barnsley echoed the sentiment with "Once a Red, Always a Red." Cambridge United, where Vaughan made 231 appearances as a player and won promotions from the old Fourth and Third Divisions, also paid tribute to a key figure from one of their most successful eras.
His legacy at York, though brief, is remembered as he helped guide the club during a period that included a run to the cup quarter-finals. The news arrives as the current York side, who have built a recent five-match unbeaten run, sit sixth in the League Two standings. The team's record of four wins, five draws and two losses has them eight points behind leaders Salford City. With 17 points from 11 games, the team's solid defensive record this season, conceding just 13 goals while scoring 19, is a fitting, if unintentional, tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the goalkeeping craft. Supporters are expected to honour his memory at the upcoming home fixture against Port Vale, who are currently 20th in the table.
More detail at The York Press
