Trading Statement

John David Sports PLC
15 January 2002

15th January 2002



                            JOHN DAVID SPORTS PLC

                           CHRISTMAS TRADING UPDATE



John David Sports plc ('JD Sports'), the UK's leading specialist retailer of
fashionable branded sports and leisure wear, today provides details of its
Christmas trading, together with confirmation of the appointment of Roger Best
as a non-executive director, referred to in our recent interim statement.


Christmas Trading Review

JD Sports is pleased to announce continued good progress throughout the key
Christmas trading period.

Despite demanding sales comparatives in the same period last year, total sales
in the six week period ended 5th January 2002 have increased by 21% including a 
like for like sales uplift of 3%.

During the same period last year, total sales increased by 17% including a
like for like sales performance of 7%.

The company is also pleased to report that the gross profit margin achieved
last year has again been modestly improved upon during this significant
trading period.

John Wardle, Chairman, said: 'I am delighted with our trading performance
during the key Christmas period and also with our improved gross margin
performance. JD Sports remains successful as a result of its differentiated
offer, innovative ranges and continued focus on branded, fashionable sports
and leisure wear. I remain confident in the ability of our people and
management to deliver continued long term growth.'



Board Appointment



We reported in our interim statement on 27th November 2001 that Roger Best
would join the Board in January 2002 as a non-executive director. Roger now
joins the Board with immediate effect.



Roger Clive Best (age 49) has a great deal of experience in the sports and
leisure wear sector, spending the last ten years with Reebok International.
His previous position with Reebok was as Senior Vice President of Europe,
Africa and the Middle East, prior to which he held the positions of Senior
Vice President - North America and also Managing Director of Reebok UK.  As
such, he brings a vast amount of experience to the Board of JD Sports.



There are no further details requiring disclosure in respect of paragraph 16.4
of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority in relation to Roger Clive
Best.



Enquiries to:


John David Sports plc    Tel:  [phone]

Barry Bown (Chief
Executive)

Malcolm Blackhurst
(Finance Director)


Hogarth Partnership      Tel: [phone]
Limited

Andrew Jaques

Tom Leatherbarrow