John Sludden

John Sludden (29 December 1964 – 7 May 2021) was a Scottish footballer and manager. He played as a striker for several clubs in the Scottish Football League, and was also manager of East Stirlingshire in the Lowland League.[1]

John Sludden
Personal information
Date of birth (1964-12-29)29 December 1964
Place of birth Falkirk, Scotland
Date of death 7 May 2021(2021-05-07) (aged 56)
Position(s) Striker
Youth career
Gairdoch United BC
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1980–1983 Celtic 0 (0)
1983–1985 St Johnstone 33 (6)
1985–1986 Airdrieonians 9 (0)
1985–1989 Ayr United 140 (78)
1989–1991 Kilmarnock 48 (15)
1991–1993 East Fife 71 (34)
1993 Clydebank 1 (0)
1993–1994 Clyde 17 (4)
1994–1995 Stenhousemuir 23 (14)
1995–2001 Bo'ness United
Total 342 (151)
Managerial career
1995–2001 Bo'ness United
2014–2016 Camelon Juniors
2016–2018 East Stirlingshire
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Playing career

On 7 June 1980, Sludden played for Scotland versus England at Wembley Stadium in the Schoolboy International that was shown live on TV, scoring two goals in the team's 5–4 win, with Paul McStay also scoring two goals and Ally Dick the other goal. England's Paul Rideout scored a hat-trick in the match.[2]

Sludden then signed for Celtic on the same day that McStay signed for the Parkhead club. Sludden played only once for the first-team in a Glasgow Cup Final versus Rangers in 1982.[3] Sludden joined Leeds United on trial in May 1983 but failed to secure a contract. Sludden then signed for Perth club St Johnstone before signing for Airdrieonians and Ayr United. John scored the last ever goal at St Johnstone's Muirton Park before Saints moved to their current McDiarmid Park home, playing for Ayr as they triumphed 1-0 in the ground's final game. Whilst at Somerset Park under the club's manager Ally MacLeod, Sludden was part of a talented attack-minded team, alongside players such as Henry Templeton. In the 1987–88 season the "Honest Men" won the Second Division Championship as Sludden scored 31 league goals.

Sludden then left the South Ayrshire club for East Ayrshire rivals Kilmarnock, then later played for East Fife, Clydebank, Clyde and Stenhousemuir.

Coaching career

Sludden was appointed player-manager of Junior club Bo'ness United in 1995 and resigned in October 2001. Sludden was later involved in youth development at Celtic.[3] Sludden was then appointed manager of Camelon Juniors in April 2014. On 13 June 2015, Camelon won the Fife and Lothians Cup in a 1–0 win versus Sauchie Juniors before departing Camelon on 7 May 2016.[4] Later that same month, Sludden was confirmed as manager of East Stirlingshire, following their relegation to the Lowland League.[1] On 30 August 2018, Sludden was relieved of his position.[5]

Personal life

Sludden had two sons, Marc who played for Stenhousemuir and Paul who played for Falkirk.

On 7 May 2021, Sludden died at the age of 56.[6]

References
  1. "Sludden Is New Shire Boss". East Stirlingshire FC. 25 May 2016. Archived from the original on 17 June 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  2. "Wembley memories to inspire class of '09 John Sludden recalls a famous win against the Auld Enemy and is playing his part all over again . . ". The Heraldd. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  3. Fisher, Stewart (26 November 2009). "Wembley memories to inspire class of '09". The Herald. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  4. "Latest News | Camelon Juniors FC". Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  6. Reilly, Jonathan (7 May 2021). "Former Celtic and Stenhousemuir player John Sludden dies aged 56". Falkirk Herald. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  • John Sludden at Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Database
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