John Hinton

Ernest John Hinton (28 February 1892 – 3 December 1955) was an English professional footballer who played at inside left for Southampton in the Southern League in 1915 and for Exeter City in the Football League Third Division in 1921.

Early years Hinton was born in Southampton and was playing Hampshire League football with Sholing Athletic when he was spotted by scouts from Southampton of the Southern League. Hinton joined the Saints in 1912 and played in the reserves; in 1913, he scored a hat-trick in a Southern Alliance match.

Military service When all league football was suspended because of the First World War, Hinton joined the Royal Air Force, stationed at Farnborough. He played football for his squadron and was selected to represent "England" in an RAF international match against their Scottish equivalents. when they reached the First Round proper of the FA Cup in January 1920.

Hinton left Thornycroft in February 1921 to join Barnstaple Town, moving on a month later to Exeter City of the Football League Third Division. He made four Football League appearances, scoring once, before returning to Thornycrofts the following year.