John Williamson had the briefest of experiences with Leeds City, making a single appearance in the Subsidiary Tournament at the end of the 1915/16 season when regular centre-half Jack Hampson was unable to take his place in the side.

Williamson began his playing days in his native North East with Annfield Plain Celtic and then signed for First Division giants Aston Villa in 1911. He did not make the grade at Villa Park and spent time with Stourbridge and Gainsborough Trinity before getting another crack at the big time when Sunderland signed him in 1914.

He made a handful of appearances for the Wearsiders before competitive football was abandoned with the onset of the First World War.

Williamson made his debut for Leeds City at home to Huddersfield Town on 22 April 1916 when they lost 2-1. He never again appeared for them or professionally for any other club.