On 25 January 2008, John joined Watford on a loan deal until the end of the
2007–08 season, with the option of a permanent move after that. He struggled with his fitness during his time at the club, making only three starts and two substitute appearances. In April 2008 he returned to Fulham after tearing a thigh muscle.
On the 2008 transfer deadline day, John moved to
NEC Nijmegen on a one-year loan deal, with the Dutch side also obtaining a transfer option.
[7] In
Nijmegen John suffered with continual problems. Although he was important as a substitute in two
UEFA Cup matches, he failed to make an impression in the Dutch league. In January 2009 he went on trial at
Charlton Athletic but wasn't offered a contract. Back in Nijmegen he was suspended to the reserve squad by manager
Mario Been. On March 3 John returned to Fulham after both NEC and John didn't see any reason for continuing the loan. In March John requested to train with Dutch side
Heracles Almelo, alongside his brother
Paddy, till the end of the 2008/09 season. The request was denied because John had no intentions to play for Heracles in the next season.
In July 2009, Gary Johnson of Bristol City offered John a 3 year contract. He chose however to sign for
Belgian Jupiler League side
KSV Roeselare signing a 2 year contract.
[8] On December 3 John was suspended and demoted to the reserve squad for disciplinairy reasons by manager
Dennis van Wijk. On December 14 Roeselare terminated John's contract
[9].