Stabs first played for the club as a teenager, became one of the leading fly halves in the North in his twenties and thirties and, of course, had a major role in keeping the club alive by playing on into his 40's.
He's already said he would play some games for the Stags this season to help bring on the up an coming players.
The Board have been anxious to mark John's contribution to the club although the man himself is a little embarassed. He points out that there are quite a few players who have actually played more games than him.
But few would argue his contribution to the club has been exceptional.
He says: "There are lots of people who have made major contributions to the club over the years both on and off the pitch. It is embarassing being singled out like this, and I'll get some stick off the lads, but the Board are also using the dinner as a fund raiser so I suppose I'll have to turn up!"