Johnny Burke

Who was Johnny Burke?

John Joseph "Johnny" Burke was an Irish professional association football player. A goalkeeper, he played for Chester City and Millwall before the Second World War, making over 100 appearances in the Football League. He also appeared as a guest player for West Ham United in World War II. In 1947 he joined Gillingham, at the time playing in the Southern League and helped the club win the championship in 1948. In 1950 the club gained election to the Football League and signed new goalkeeper Larry Gage, but kept Burke on the books. Despite being nearly 40 years old he played five times in the 1950–51 season before retiring.