Christmas Trading Update & Board Change

John David Sports PLC
19 January 2000
                                       
                            JOHN DAVID SPORTS PLC                             
                                                                              
                           CHRISTMAS TRADING UPDATE                           
 
John  David  Sports Plc ('JD'), a leading specialist retailer  of  fashionable
branded sports and leisurewear, today announces an update of Christmas trading
and a Board change.

Christmas Trading Review

JD  are  pleased to announce that in the significant Christmas trading  period
the  company has continued its improved trading performance.  Total sales  for
the  five  week  period ended 1 January 2000 were 26.8%  above  those  of  the
equivalent  period  last  year, including a like for like  sales  increase  of
17.6%.   The  improvement  in gross profit margin  from  45.5%  to  46.0%,  as
reported in the Interim Announcement on 7 December, has also been maintained.

The  total sales growth for the financial period from 1 April 1999 to  January
2000 is 20.9% including a cumulative like for like sales increase for the same
period of 6.9%.

John  Wardle, Chairman and Chief Executive, commented: 'I am very pleased with
the sales and gross profit improvement achieved by the company in the year  to
date.   We have successfully strengthened all areas of our business.   I  look
forward to continued growth and the further development of our retail strategy
and brand enhancement.'

Board Change

John  David  Sports  Plc announces that David Patrick,  Chief  Executive,  has
resigned  his position with the company by mutual agreement.  John Wardle  has
resumed  the  position of Chief Executive and leads an experienced  management
team  which  continues to develop the proven retail strategy of  the  company.
Peter Cowgill has reaffirmed his commitment as Finance Director.

Enquiries:  JOHN DAVID SPORTS PLC    HUDSON SANDLER
            Peter Cowgill            Andrew Hayes/James Cracknell
            Finance Director
            Tel: [phone]        Tel: [phone]