Johnny Westwood was born in Edmonton and followed a well-trodden route to the club through Edmonton Schools and Tottenham Juniors.
He signed amateur with Tottenham in 1945 and during his National Service, he was noted as a good footballer in the Army representative teamand Colchester United too.
Signed professional with the club in 1948, but failed to make the breakthrough at Spurs, so was allowed to leave in 1952, when he was taken to France by U.S. Valenciennes Anzin, where his dribbling ability and his aggressive forward play made him a popular figure at the club.
Returning from France in 1954, John went on to play for Finchley for a year, before going back to play for Anzin until 1957.