"Unfortunately, I suffered a prolapsed disc in March which coincided with the arrival of new manager Ronnie Moore and I didn't get the chance to impress him. I wasn't fully fit when my contract expired." Eyre told non-leaguedaily.com.
"I had interest from both Darlington and Bury but wasn't fit enough to take up those options.
"During the summer I took my coaching badges but decided that my body wasn't quite up to the rigours of the professional game and decided on rest as the best cure. I've missed playing football and have had to make do with watching and have been down to watch Ferriby a few times.
"Brian France invited me to come along and train with the team which has resulted in me signing for the club. They have some very good players and play good football on what must be one of the best pitches in the league. I know the likes of Rob Dewhurst, Mike Price and Ben Morley from my days with Hull City.
"There seems a great spirit amongst the players and what they have achieved in recent seasons is a credit to them, especially when you consider the size of the village. I'm excited at the prospect of being involved but I'm not expecting too much immediately as I haven't played competitively since my injury last March."
The 31-year-old played a lot of his early career as a striker but the last four years have seen him employed in a midfield role, which is where France will probably deploy him. His professional career saw him make over 400 League and Cup appearances, from which he netted 96 goals.
France is delighted to have signed Eyre: "I've always believed that when good players become available we should make every effort to sign them and John is no exception. He has a good deal of ability and offers us the added bonus of his vast experience which could prove crucial to our young side in the run in to the end of the season."