During the early part of his career he was a strong running centre who regularly topped the club's try scoring lists. After the 1958/59 season John moved into the pack, and took up the loose forward role. He was named captain as the club began to climb the league table in the early 1960s. Injuries took a toll, and he moved into coaching. From 1964 to 1982, Sheridan was "A" team coach at Castleford, winning nine Yorkshire Senior Championships, and six Yorkshire Senior Cups. Sheridan was the coachofCastleford, his first game in charge was on 18 August 1972, and his last game in charge was on 2 May 1973,[6] and then spent the following year at arch rivals Leeds before returning to Wheldon Road. He returned to coaching at Doncaster, and turned the club around. He was voted the most influential person in the club's history by the Dons fans. [citation needed]
Sheridan was born in Pontefract,[8] of Irish, and English parentage, and grew up in the Wheldon Lane area of Castleford in a large Catholic family. As part of his National Service he joined the Royal Air Force for two years, mainly working as a bar man in the officers mess, and playing Rugby Union. Once back in Castleford he signed for Castleford, and also worked in industry alongside his rugby league career.
His marriage to Hilda (née Hunter) (birth registered during second 1⁄4 1934 in Pontefract district) was registered in fourth 1⁄4 1957 in Pontefract district[9] The couple had two daughters; Gail M. Sheridan (birth registered during first 1⁄4 1959 in Pontefract district), and Ann. Also grandfather to Thomas, Julieann, Charley, Nikki, Daniel, Kay and Bryony. Great-grandad to Bethany, Ruby and Hollie-Ann.
