Tributes to John Vaughan as former Preston North End goalkeeper dies age 62
He played for Preston from 1994-1996.
Former Preston North End goalkeeper John Vaughan has died aged 62.
Vaughan enjoyed a long and successful career in football, playing the sport for 18 years before moving into coaching.
He played for 11 clubs throughout his career and made just shy of 400 league appearances, the most coming during his five-year spell at Cambridge United under manager John Beck. There they won back-to-back promotions from Division Four to Division Two - League Two to the Championship today - in 1989-90 and 1990-91.
It was Beck who he would follow to Preston in 1994, and he went on to make 66 league appearances for the club and was part of the team that won the Third Division title in the 1995-96 season.
Vaughan would reunite with Beck again at Lincoln City, where he spent four years and made a further 65 league appearances.
Originally from London, Vaughan started his career at West Ham United and also played for Charlton Athletic, Wrexham, Bristol Rovers and City, Fulham, Colchester United and Chesterfield.
His tour of the UK continued as a goalkeeper coach, working for a string of clubs that included Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City, Barnsley and Bradford City.
Vaughan was working as Head of Academy Goalkeeper at Sheffield United at the time of the death, having taken up the role in 2022.
The Blades said in a statement: "Everyone's thoughts at the club are with John's family, friends and colleagues past and present."
The club and Preston fans pay tribute to John Vaughan
North End sent their own commiserations on social media, writing: " Everyone at Preston North End is saddened to learn of the passing of former goalkeeper John Vaughan.
"John represented North End between 1994 and 1996, and will be dearly missed.
"Our thoughts go out to John's friends and family at this time."
Fellow goalkeeper Alan Kelly also posted on X: "Such sad news to hear the passing of John Vaughan, one of life’s good guys.
"My thoughts and prayers are with John’s family at this saddest of times."
A number of Preston fans also sent their condolences.
"‘The Legend’ John Vaughan. Great keeper from a great era. RIP sir," one wrote.
Another added: "Very sad news. Massive part of my early years watching North End. Rest in Peace John."
"Very sad news. An excellent keeper for North End. RIP John," echoed another.