title: John Kirkham (footballer, born 1941)
text: # John Kirkham (footballer, born 1941)
  
  John Kenneth Kirkham (13 May 1941 – 11 February 2021) was an English professional footballer who played as a wing half.
  
  ## Club career
  
  Born in Wednesbury, Kirkham began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1956, turning professional in 1958 and making his first team debut in 1959. He also played in the 1957–58 FA Youth Cup.
  
  He later played for Peterborough United, Exeter City, Durban Spurs and Horwich RMI.
  
  ## International career
  
  He played for England at youth and under-23 levels.
  
  ## Later life and death
  
  He retired to South Africa but returned to England after the death of his wife, and lived in Wigan. He died on 11 February 2021, aged 79.
  
  