Rotherham United are extremely saddened to hear of the death of former club captain Johnny Quinn.
An extremely popular figure both as a player and as a person, Johnny died on Saturday, aged 82.
He was the first signing made by Tommy Docherty as Rotherham United manager when he brought him in from Sheffield Wednesday in November 1967 for £27,500.
A skilful midfield player - right half was his position in the team - Johnny (or John as often referred to) brought quality to the side and soon endeared himself to the Millers supporters.
During the famous 1968 FA Cup run to a fifth round replay that same season, Millers fans had their own song in tribute to him, adopting the Manfred Mann hit ‘Mighty Quinn’ and the words... “You’ll not see nothing like the Mighty Quinn”... reverberated around Millmoor and elsewhere from the terraces.
He made 124 appearances in all in Rotherham colours and even came back from a ruptured Achilles tendon which kept him out of action for 18 months, a comeback which indicated John’s courage and commitment.
John was at AESSEAL New York Stadium two years ago along with several former colleagues when Tommy Docherty was invited to be a guest at a game and the ‘Doc’ went over to him first of all and said: “Johnny Quinn... what a gentleman and what a player.” It remains a fitting tribute and one this football club wishes to wholeheartedly associate itself with.
He left Millmoor in 1972 to become player-coach at Halifax Town, becoming manager until 1976. He later played non-league football for Worksop Town.
Often referred to by friends and colleagues as ‘Quincy’, he is fondly remembered throughout South Yorkshire and the rest of the region for organising Johnny Quinn’s All Stars, the team of ex-professional footballers who played matches for charity and over more than 25 years raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities and good causes.
Born in St.Helen’s, he was playing for Prescot Cables when spotted by Sheffield Wednesday and he signed for them in 1959, going on to make 196 appearances in all, including playing in the 1966 FA Cup Final against Everton.
Johnny Quinn is affectionately remembered by all who knew him here at Rotherham United or watched him play and we send our deepest condolences to his family.
Rest in Peace, Johnny. A true Rotherham United legend.
Once a Miller, Always a Miller.