John Anthony Roche (18 May 1932 – 1988) was an English footballer who played as a forward. Born in Poplar, London, he played professionally for Millwall and Crystal Palace between 1957 and 1960, making a total of 61 Football League appearances.
Career
Roche began his career in non-league football with Margate before signing for Millwall in 1957. In May 1959, he signed for Crystal Palace then playing in the Football League Fourth Division. He made a goal-scoring debut on 3 September in a home 3–2 win against Oldham Athletic and went on to make 36 appearances that season, scoring 11 times. At the end of the 1959–60 season, he returned to Margate.
Personal life
Roche died in 1988, aged 53 or 54. His grandson Jamie Roche, born in Sweden to a Swedish mother and Roche's son (who himself played semi-professionally), is also a professional footballer.
References
External links
- Johnny Roche at Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Transfer Database
- Johnny Roche at holmesdale.net
