sad news coming out of aus former warrington player and coach as passed away , truly a wire legend

Gutted.
Another Wire hero gone. A truly fantastic fullback, who (unfortunately for him) had a couple of Aussie legends ahead of him in the pecking order, otherwise he'd have had a bucketful of caps.

Scored a FANTASTIC try in the LCCF (one of his earliest Wire games), and capped he season with a cracker the Prem Final.

Superb LCC semi and Final wins (as coach) in 89, and went on to more glory.

Tomorrow is the 25th anniversary of Johnno's finest hour with our club. It was a long time between drinks until Mr Smith arrived.

7 years as a coach in those days, was unheard of

So, from the 89 LCCF win, we've now lost Johnno, Mackey, Mike Greg and Derbyshire. Sad, sad day.

RIP to a dignified, good bloke.

I remeber the try in the prem final was a good 70 yard effort and sent the wire faithful into a eruption of delight on a sour note thou i also remember is last game in charge that 80 nil thumping at knowsley rd in the regal trophy , i remember waking the following morning to the news of his resignation and i think that hurt more than the loss

From another site reported he was suffering from Alzheimers. he was only 59. Quickest fullback I ever saw.

My favourite Wire player ever. RIP Johnno.

What an absolute shame. His try at Elland Road in the Premiership Final in '86 will live with me a long time. To think he was on the bench for that game too. He also had us playing some superb rugby as coach before it all came to an end. Sad news.

My childhood hero.

Very sad news. RIP Johnno. Great player, good coach, forever a wire.

Too many good memories of him as a player and coach.
It's terrible, and he was so young.
RIP Brian.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Such a shame, I will always have brilliant memories of him. Sad day.

RIP Brian ,a good player and a good guy. from Leeds Rhino

Gutted... Play on in heaven Johno..

Very sad news indeed and at such a young age. He has left us with some terrific memories, as mentioned earlier, the 1986 Premiership Final try was a sight to see, worth the entrance fee on its own as they say.
Excellent coach as well even if his tenure did end badly. A Warrington legend.

Johno was a superb fullback, and his timing coming into the line was something most players could only dream of emulating, then and now. He was also an intelligent and innovative coach ultimately let down by a group of players unable to match his intelligence and application.

But more than this, he was a lovely human being, possessing armfuls of dignity, humour, humility and grace.

Another of my pantheon of heroes leaves the stage.

Sad news, a wire legend. Similar attributes to Hicks and Brett Hodgson. RIP Brian.