John was born 16 July 1944, the son of Jim and Jessie Weir, brother to 8 siblings.  The family was raised at Cowley Cottages, Hedley Hill near Tow Law.  John played for Waterhouses Juniors and Langley Park before joining the ranks of the Northern League at Tow Law, Evenwood Town, Crook Town, Bishop Auckland before returning to Evenwood Town. Whether at Wembley or the cow pasture at Staindrop, Johnny Weir loved playing the game of football. And he’s looking forward to his next game of cricket for Evenwood C.C.!

WATERHOUSES JUNIORS

1959 – 60: Waterhouses Juniors won the South West Durham Cup and the NCB Junior Cup.

Above: Standing left to right: Frankie Bell; Peter Smirthwaite; Errol Platt; Ed Myers; Clive Hughes; Bill Tinkler, Doug Smirthwaite; Albert Harding

Sitting:  Mr. Platt; John Weir; Billy Cooper; Syd Tomlinson; Jim Barrett; Eric Ferguson; Mr. Roger Barratt.

CROOK TOWN

John signed for Evenwood Town playing for one season before joining Crook Town to help its bid for FA Amateur Cup glory.

18 April 64: The highlight of John’s career with Crook Town was playing on the right wing in the winning the FA Amateur Cup tam which defeated Enfield 2 – 1 at Wembley in front of 37,000.   

The Northern Echo 19 December 1987: Crook Town reunion

EVENWOOD TOWN

John was an integral member of the legendary Evenwood Town team which won the Northern League Championship in 2 consecutive seasons 1969-70 and 1970-71 together with the Durham Challenge Trophy in 1970.

John Weir played for Bishop Auckland then returned to Evenwood Town and ended his Northern League career when approaching 40 years of age.  John also played a representative match for England versus the Army at Catterick.  Bob Tookey and Johnny Hussey both earned England amateur caps.

SUNDAY LEAGUE FOOTBALL

John played for many teams over the seasons including Witton Park, Copley, Bishop Auckland Belvedere, enjoying the game well into middle age.

Below:

Copley F.C which included Johnny Weir, Kenny Close, Philip Maddison and Sean Somers

EVENWOOD CRICKET CLUB

2 June 1977, Johnny Weir made his debut for Evenwood and up until 29 August 1994, had made 83 senior appearances, scoring 471 runs with a highest score 37 not out versus Ushaw Moor seconds.  He took 4 wickets and held 29 catches.  Since 1994, Johnny has appeared for the second team on an irregular basis, helping out as required.  His most recent league game was 21 May 2022 v Langley Park seconds. 

Johnny was a regular member of the social team which played charity and friendly matches including the August Bank Holiday Charity Match, 2022, aged 78.

Below: an ECC Social XI including Michael & Owen Peddelty, Mick Townsend, David Priestley, Eric Lamb, Donald Wallace, Gordon Hymers, Ian Davis, Kevin Richardson, Steven Nichol, Billy Teesdale, Jamie Cummins and Johnny Weir.