title: John Kirkby (soccer)
text: # John Kirkby (soccer)
  
  John Kirkby (29 November 1929 – 4 April 1953) was an American soccer player who played in the Football League for Stoke City and Wrexham.
  
  ## Career
  
  Kirkby became Stoke City's first overseas player, having been born in the United States, when he played his only game for Stoke against Middlesbrough in April 1949. He joined Wrexham in 1951. In a Cheshire County League match versus Crewe Alexandra Reserves on 4 April 1953, Kirkby collapsed in the 65th minute and was declared dead upon arrival in the hospital.
  
  ## Career statistics
  
  Source:
  
  | Club | Season | Division | League | League | FA Cup | FA Cup | Total | Total |
  | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  | Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
  | Stoke City | 1948–49 | First Division | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
  | Wrexham | 1951–52 | Third Division North | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
  | Wrexham | 1952–53 | Third Division North | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
  | Career Total | Career Total | Career Total | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
  