John McCombe

Born in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, McCombe joined Huddersfield Town as a trainee. He was converted from playing as a centre forward to become a centre back.{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-mccombe-ready-stand-torquay-s/story-16798709-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: McCombe ready to stand up to Torquay's heavyweight challenge |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=31 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924132052/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-mccombe-ready-stand-torquay-s/story-16798709-detail/story.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead}} He made his first-team debut on 3 May 2003, coming onto the pitch as a late substitute for Jon Stead in a 1–1 draw with Oldham Athletic at Kirklees Stadium.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/2976365.stm |title=Huddersfield 1–1 Oldham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 May 2003 |access-date=30 May 2018}} Unused in the 2003–04 season, he had to wait until September 2004 for his next first-team appearance. He made seven appearances in 2004–05.

McCombe's only appearances of 2005–06 were against Blackburn Rovers in the League Cup – where he only played because of injuries and suspensions, against Boston United in the Football League Trophy – when manager Peter Jackson rested all his first-team players, and on the last match of the season against Swindon Town.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}} In between these appearances he spent February on loan at Torquay United, but did not appear for John Cornforth's struggling team.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}

On 15 March 2007, he, along with Hartlepool United's Michael Proctor, agreed to join Boston United on loan.{{cite news |url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6454221.stm |title=Boston bring in McCombe on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 March 2007 |access-date=12 January 2014}} However, due to Boston's financial state, Boston chairman Jim Rodwell was unable to sanction the deals.{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonstandard.co.uk/sport/confusion_over_united_loan_deals_1_1106162 |title=Confusion over United loan deals |newspaper=Boston Standard |date=21 March 2007 |access-date=12 August 2018}} Huddersfield released him in May 2007, and two months later he signed for Hereford United,{{cite news |url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6269622.stm |title=Hereford complete triple capture |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 July 2007 |access-date=12 January 2014}} ending his eleven-year association with the club.{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-old-boy-mccombe-aiming-terrorise-terriers/story-12526080-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: Old boy McCombe aiming to terrorise Terriers |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=27 November 2009 |access-date=4 December 2016}}{{dead link|date=August 2018}}

He began 2007–08 as third-choice centre-back, but an injury to Dean Beckwith gave McCombe his chance.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}} He turned in a number of impressive performances, preserving Hereford's unbeaten record and scoring his first professional goal from a Kris Taylor cross in a 2–0 FA Cup victory against Hartlepool United.{{cite news |url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7110773.stm |title=Hereford 2–0 Hartlepool |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 November 2007 |access-date=12 January 2014}} McCombe made 27 league appearances as Hereford gained promotion from League Two, but was dropped for the run-in, in favour of Karl Broadhurst.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}} This coincided with McCombe's mistake in a key fixture against Chester City when he conceded a penalty kick in the last minute for handball, which enabled Chester to draw the match 2–2.{{cite news |url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7320209.stm |title=Hereford 2–2 Chester |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 April 2008 |access-date=12 January 2014}} He made only one more appearance for the club, as a second-half substitute on the final day of the season. In May 2008, manager and chairman Graham Turner confirmed that out-of-contract McCombe would not be offered a new deal.{{cite news |url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7404661.stm |title=Hereford release defender McCombe |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 May 2008 |access-date=12 January 2014}}

File:John McCombe.JPG in 2009]]

On 29 May 2008, McCombe agreed a two-year contract to join Port Vale.{{cite news |url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7425498.stm |title=Port Vale sign ex-Bulls defender |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 May 2008 |access-date=12 January 2014}} He claimed one of the reasons he put pen to paper was that having met manager Lee Sinnott 13 years previously, he knew that Sinnott could help improve his game.{{cite news |url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7427639.stm |title=McCombe reveals link with Sinnott |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 June 2008 |access-date=12 January 2014}} However, he established himself as a first-choice centre-back under new manager Dean Glover, but was also told he was too 'nice' and needed to be more aggressive in his defending.{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-mccombe-told-ditch-mr-nice-guy-tag/story-12518972-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: McCombe told to ditch 'Mr Nice Guy' tag |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=10 April 2009 |access-date=4 December 2016}}{{dead link|date=August 2018}} Nevertheless, his performances 2008–09 earned him the chairman's Player of the Year award,{{cite web |url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~1641394,00.html |title=Player of the Year – Winners |publisher=Port Vale F.C. |date=27 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222064111/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~1641394%2C00.html |archive-date=22 February 2012 |url-status=dead}} as well as the nickname 'Boom Boom McCombe' from fans.{{cite web |url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2177533,00.html |title=A Trophy Looms for 'Boom Boom' McCombe! |publisher=Port Vale F.C. |date=7 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306061510/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2177533%2C00.html |archive-date= 6 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}

Retaining his first-team place in 2009–10, he was transfer listed in late September 2009, along with the entire Port Vale squad, after manager Micky Adams saw his team slip to a third consecutive defeat.{{cite news |url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8277136.stm |title=Adams puts Vale squad up for sale |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 September 2009 |access-date=12 January 2014}} However, by the end of October 2009 he had played in the opening 18 matches of the season, picking up a goal on the way,{{cite news |url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8301238.stm |title=First goal joy for Vale's McCombe |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 October 2009 |access-date=12 January 2014}} and was confident of earning a new contract by the season's end.{{cite news |url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8333761.stm |title=McCombe seeking new Vale contract |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 October 2009 |access-date=12 January 2014}} On 12 December 2009, he received the first sending off of his career, following a professional foul on Northampton Town's Adebayo Akinfenwa.{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-mccombe-frustrated-rough-justice/story-12533032-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: McCombe frustrated by rough justice |first=Steve |last=Shaw |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=14 December 2009 |access-date=4 December 2016}}{{dead link|date=August 2018}} This brought to an end his run of 29 consecutive starts, and kept him out of the team for the next six weeks, as manager Micky Adams switched his tactics during McCombe's absence,{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-mccombe-blame-absence-says-adams/story-12477879-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: McCombe to blame for absence, says Adams |first=Steve |last=Shaw |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=29 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005043207/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-mccombe-blame-absence-says-adams/story-12477879-detail/story.html |archive-date=5 October 2015 |url-status=dead}} moving from a 3–5–2 to 4–4–2 formation.{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-mccombe-fight/story-12532145-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: McCombe up for the fight |first=Steve |last=Shaw |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=3 February 2010 |access-date=4 December 2016}}{{dead link|date=August 2016}} He was offered a new two-year contract by the club at the end of the season,{{cite news |url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8677302.stm |title=Goalkeeper Joe Anyon released by Port Vale |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 May 2010 |access-date=12 January 2014}} which he quickly signed.{{cite news |url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8678819.stm |title=Port Vale deals for Griffith, McCombe, Martin & Taylor |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 May 2010 |access-date=12 January 2014}}

File:John McCombe1.JPG

He started 2010–11 in fine form, and his strong performances in November 2010 saw him nominated for the League Two Player of the Month award.{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-manager-award-players-hard-work-says-adams/story-12505075-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: Manager award down to players' hard work, says Adams |first=Steve |last=Shaw |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=10 December 2010 |access-date=4 December 2016}}{{dead link|date=August 2018}} His strong performances continued throughout the season, and he was rewarded with the club's Player of the Year award.{{cite web |url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2356317,00.html |title=Player of the Year Awards 2011 |publisher=Port Vale F.C. |date=9 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320100626/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2356317%2C00.html |archive-date=20 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}

Adams continued to use McCombe in the heart of the Vale defence at the start of 2011–12, however, he dropped him from the first-team after 11 matches in favour of loan signing Liam Chilvers.{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-mccombe-working-hard-earn-vale-recall/story-13539482-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: McCombe working hard to earn Vale recall |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=12 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707173004/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-mccombe-working-hard-earn-vale-recall/story-13539482-detail/story.html |archive-date=7 July 2015 |url-status=dead}} He marked his return to the first-team on 14 October 2011 with the second goal of a 3–0 win over Northampton Town.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15210273 |title=Port Vale 3–0 Northampton |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 October 2011 |access-date=4 December 2016}} However, he was dropped after the next match, a 4–0 defeat at home to Morecambe, only to win back his first-team place the following month after turning down the chance to leave the club on loan.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16362792 |title=Vale's John McCombe never considered going out on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 December 2011 |access-date=4 December 2016}} With the loanees back at their parent clubs, Gareth Owen out injured and Clayton McDonald in court, McCombe helped to guide teenage centre-back Joe Davis through the final stages of the season.{{cite web |url=https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/2012/05/uncomplaining-mccombes-unsung-player-year/ |title=Uncomplaining McCombe's my unsung player of the year |first=Rob |last=Fielding |website=onevalefan |date=3 May 2012 |access-date=30 May 2018}} He agreed to sign a new two-year deal with the club in June 2012.{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-John-McCombe-happy-stay/story-16274821-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: John McCombe happy to stay put |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=4 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924131752/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-John-McCombe-happy-stay/story-16274821-detail/story.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}

He formed a solid centre-back partnership with Clayton McDonald at the start of 2012–13.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}} On 25 August, he scored in a 3–1 win over Morecambe at the Globe Arena, earning himself a place on the League Two Team of the Week.{{cite news |title=Sam Morsy targets goals to secure first team place |url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Sam-Morsy-targets-goals-secure-team/story-16776060-detail/story.html |access-date=28 August 2012 |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke |date=28 August 2012}} On 27 October, he was sent off for the second time in his career, again against Northampton at Sixfields, as he put in a late challenge on midfielder Alex Nicholls, who managed to score the opening goal of the match just before McCombe made his challenge; it was later confirmed that the tackle had broken Nicholls's leg.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20014442 |title=Northampton 2–0 Port Vale |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 October 2012 |access-date=4 December 2016}} Opposition manager Aidy Boothroyd accepted McCombe's apology, and Northampton player Akinfenwa also stated that McCombe was "not a malicious character".{{cite news |url=https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/cobblers/cobblers-striker-alex-nicholls-sustains-double-fracture-of-left-leg-1-4418446 |title=Cobblers striker Alex Nicholls sustains double fracture of left leg |first=Daniel |last=Owens |newspaper=Northampton Chronicle |date=27 October 2012 |access-date=12 August 2018 |archive-date=12 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812002917/https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/cobblers/cobblers-striker-alex-nicholls-sustains-double-fracture-of-left-leg-1-4418446 |url-status=dead }} McCombe himself picked up an injury on 1 January 2013, damaging knee ligaments in a defeat to Fleetwood Town, and was ruled out of action for several weeks.{{cite news |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2013/january/mccombe-out-for-a-while/ |title=McCombe out for a while |first=Dave |last=Johnson |publisher=Port Vale F.C. |date=3 January 2013 |access-date=12 August 2018}} Vale secured promotion with a third-place finish at the end of the season, with McCombe playing 37 matches in a regularly changing four back.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}} Despite still being under contract, he chose to leave the club in the summer.{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-centre-john-mccombe-leaves-vale-park/story-19146826-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: Centre-back John McCombe leaves Vale Park |first=Pete |last=Smith |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=31 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924131144/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-centre-john-mccombe-leaves-vale-park/story-19146826-detail/story.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}

File:John McCombe 16-08-2014 1.jpg in 2014]]

McCombe signed for Mansfield Town on 1 June 2013, and was described by manager Paul Cox as "a commanding player who will add knowledge and experience to our defence".{{cite web |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2013/june/stags-sign-experienced-defender/ |title=Stags sign experienced defender |publisher=Mansfield Town F.C. |date=1 June 2013 |access-date=12 August 2018}} He left Field Mill by mutual consent in January 2014, having made only seven starts for Mansfield in 2013–14.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25696511 |title=Mansfield Town defender leaves League Two club |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 January 2014 |access-date=4 December 2016}}

McCombe signed for League Two club York City on 12 January 2014 on a two-and-a-half-year contract after his release from Mansfield.{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/news/article/city-sign-john-mccombe-1286609.aspx |title=City sign John McCombe |publisher=York City F.C. |date=12 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528122531/http://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/news/article/city-sign-john-mccombe-1286609.aspx |archive-date=28 May 2017 |url-status=dead}} He made his debut as an 85th-minute substitute for Ryan Jarvis in a 2–0 away defeat to Hartlepool United on 25 January 2014. On 15 February 2014, he scored a brace and claimed an assist in a 4–0 victory at Plymouth Argyle, earning himself a mention on the Football League Team of the Week.{{cite news |title=Sky Bet Football League Team of the Week 10/02/14 - 16/02/14 |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2014/february/sky-bet-football-league-team-of-the-week-100214---160214/ |access-date=9 October 2019 |work=www.efl.com |date=17 February 2014 |language=en-gb}} He was again named in the Team of the Week after making a block on the line from a Hallam Hope shot in a 1–0 win over Bury on 21 April 2014.{{cite news |title=Sky Bet Football League Team of the Week 14/04/14 - 21/04/14 |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2014/april/sky-bet-football-league-team-of-the-week-140414---210414/ |access-date=9 October 2019 |work=www.efl.com |date=22 April 2014 |language=en-gb}} On 1 February 2016, McCombe left Bootham Crescent by mutual consent after not playing a match three months into new manager Jackie McNamara's tenure.{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/14244566.John_McCombe_leaves_York_City/ |title=John McCombe leaves York City |first=Dave |last=Flett |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=1 February 2016 |access-date=2 May 2016}}

On 1 March 2016, McCombe joined National League club Macclesfield Town on a contract running until the end of 2015–16.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35699176 |title=John McCombe: Macclesfield sign former York City defender until end of the season |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 March 2016 |access-date=1 March 2016}} He debuted later that day, as an 81st-minute substitute in a 2–1 home defeat to Torquay. He made 12 appearances and scored one goal as Macclesfield finished in 10th-place in the 2015–16 National League.{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/tournaments/tournament.sd?tourn_id=1441 |title=National League: 2015/16: Latest table |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=12 July 2017}} He retained his first-team place for the following season, and scored the winning goal as Macclesfield won 1–0 away to League One team Walsall in the first round of the FA Cup.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37807481 |title=Walsall 0–1 Macclesfield Town |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 November 2016 |access-date=5 November 2016}} He made 44 appearances in 2016–17, including in the 2017 FA Trophy final at Wembley Stadium, where Macclesfield were beaten 3–2 by York City.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/39953937 |title=Macclesfield Town 2–3 York City |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 May 2017 |access-date=2 June 2017}}

McCombe rejected a new contract offer from Macclesfield to join their National League rivals Chester on 6 June 2017 on a one-year contract.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40174679 |title=John McCombe: Chester FC sign Macclesfield Town defender |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 June 2017 |access-date=6 June 2017}} He left the club on 8 February 2018{{cite web |url=http://www.chesterfc.com/2018/02/08/breaking-john-mccombe-departs-the-club/ |title=John McCombe departs the club |publisher=Chester F.C. |date=8 February 2018 |access-date=9 February 2018}} and signed for National League North club Harrogate Town the following day.{{cite web |url=http://nonleague.pitchero.com/headlines/harrogate-quick-bring-experienced-mccombe/ |title=Harrogate quick to bring in experienced McCombe |website=Pitchero Non-League |date=9 February 2018 |access-date=12 August 2018}} Harrogate finished second at the end of the 2017–18 season,{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/tournaments/tournament.sd?tourn_id=1582 |title=Conference North: 2017/18: Latest table |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=8 June 2018}} and went on to secure promotion after beating Brackley Town 3–0 in the play-off final.{{cite news |url=https://www.harrogate-news.co.uk/2018/05/14/town-gain-promotion-to-the-national-league-for-the-first-time-in-their-history-after-a-3-0-victory-over-brackley/ |title=Harrogate Town gain promotion to the National League for the first time in their history, after a 3–0 victory over Brackley |first=John |last=Harrison |newspaper=Harrogate Informer |date=14 May 2018 |access-date=29 May 2018}} Having made 16 appearances and scored one goal, McCombe was released by Harrogate at the end of 2017–18.{{cite news |url=https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/sport/football/harrogate-town/seven-exit-cng-stadium-as-town-reveal-retained-list-1-9196318 |title=Seven exit CNG Stadium as Town reveal retained list |first=Rhys |last=Howell |newspaper=Harrogate Advertiser |date=7 June 2018 |access-date=8 June 2018 |archive-date=8 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608185641/https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/sport/football/harrogate-town/seven-exit-cng-stadium-as-town-reveal-retained-list-1-9196318 |url-status=dead }}

He signed a one-year contract with the National League North club Boston United on 8 June 2018.{{cite web |url=http://www.bostonunited.co.uk/news/mccombe-pens-united-contract-2313886.html |title=McCombe pens United contract |first=Craig |last=Singleton |publisher=Boston United F.C. |date=8 June 2018 |access-date=8 June 2018 |via=Pitchero}} He had his contract cancelled by mutual consent on 10 August without making a competitive appearance for Boston.{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonstandard.co.uk/sport/football/boston-united/mccombe-has-boston-united-contract-cancelled-parkin-goes-out-on-loan-1-8596750 |title=McCombe has Boston United contract cancelled, Parkin goes out on loan |first=Duncan |last=Browne |newspaper=Boston Standard |date=10 August 2018 |access-date=12 August 2018}} He joined newly promoted Northern Premier League Premier Division club Hyde United four days later.{{cite web |url=http://nonleaguedaily.com/mccombe-joins-hyde-after-pilgrims-exit/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814104957/http://nonleaguedaily.com/mccombe-joins-hyde-after-pilgrims-exit/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=14 August 2018 |title=McCombe joins Hyde after Pilgrims exit |website=Non-League Daily |publisher=Baltic Publications |date=14 August 2018 |access-date=14 August 2018}} He made 43 appearances in the 2018–19 season, scoring seven goals, as the "Tigers" posted a tenth-place finish.{{cite web |title=Hyde United Football Club |url=https://hydeunited.co.uk/player/john-mccombe/ |access-date=30 April 2019}} He was appointed as player-assistant manager in May 2019.{{cite news |title=Hyde United make management restructure to football staff |url=https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/27070/hyde-united-make-management-restructure-to-football-staff/ |access-date=6 April 2020 |work=The Non League Football Paper - Daily football news |date=28 May 2019}} The 2019–20 season was formally abandoned on 26 March, with all results from the season being expunged, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England.{{cite web |title=Coronavirus: All football below National League to end |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52052351 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=26 March 2020 |date=26 March 2020}} The 2020–21 season was also curtailed early due to the pandemic.{{cite web |title=FA Update On Steps 3-6 |url=https://www.thenpl.co.uk/fa-update-on-steps-3-6-65182 |access-date=4 March 2021 |date=24 February 2021 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224221823/https://www.thenpl.co.uk/fa-update-on-steps-3-6-65182 |url-status=dead }}

He is a goal threat from set pieces and a solid, efficient centre-back.{{cite web |url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10381~23759,00.html |title=Name: John McCombe |publisher=Port Vale F.C. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626191608/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0%2C%2C10381~23759%2C00.html |archive-date=26 June 2012 |url-status=dead}}

In January 2009, he was attending Manchester Metropolitan University, studying for a sports science qualification.{{cite news |title=Why big Mac is good for you |url=http://www.thewonderofyou.co.uk/news/Why-big-Mac-is-good-for-you.aspx |first=Steve |last=Shaw |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=31 January 2009 |access-date=31 January 2009}}{{dead link|date=January 2014}}{{cbignore}} He is a Sheffield Wednesday fan.{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-dodds-target-wednesday-start/story-12524240-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: Dodds targets Wednesday start |first=Steve |last=Shaw |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=25 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924131232/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-dodds-target-wednesday-start/story-12524240-detail/story.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}

His elder brother Jamie is also a former professional footballer.{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-mccombe-boys-prepare-head-head-clash/story-12789547-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: McCombe boys prepare for head-to-head clash in Carling Cup |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=17 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724022734/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-mccombe-boys-prepare-head-head-clash/story-12789547-detail/story.html |archive-date=24 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}

{{notelist}}

Hereford United

• Football League Two third-place promotion: 2007–08{{cite news |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-McCombe-planning-use-experience/story-12575634-detail/story.html |title=Port Vale: McCombe planning to use his experience |newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent |date=5 March 2011 |access-date=1 March 2016}}{{dead link|date=August 2018}}

Port Vale

• Football League Two third-place promotion: 2012–13{{Citation |first1=Phil |last1=Sherwin |first2=Dave |last2=Johnson |title=Port Vale This Side Up: 2012–2013 Promotion Celebration |publisher=BGL |year=2013 |isbn=978-0-9926579-0-1}}

Macclesfield Town

• FA Trophy runner-up: 2016–17

Harrogate Town

• National League North play-offs: 2017–18

Individual

• Port Vale Player of the Year: 2010–11

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://hydeunited.co.uk/player/7528/ John McCombe profile] at the Hyde United F.C. website
• {{Soccerbase}}

{{Port Vale F.C. Player of the Year}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:McCombe, John}}

Category:1985 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Pontefract

Category:English men's footballers

Category:Men's association football central defenders

Category:Huddersfield Town A.F.C. players

Category:Torquay United F.C. players

Category:Hereford United F.C. players

Category:Port Vale F.C. players

Category:Mansfield Town F.C. players

Category:York City F.C. players

Category:Macclesfield Town F.C. players

Category:Chester F.C. players

Category:Harrogate Town A.F.C. players

Category:Boston United F.C. players

Category:Hyde United F.C. players

Category:English Football League players

Category:National League (English football) players

Category:Northern Premier League players

Category:English football coaches

Category:Alumni of Manchester Metropolitan University

Category:21st-century English sportsmen