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Personal
Fullname: John Sludden
Born: 29 Dec 1964
Died: 7 May 2021
Birthplace: Falkirk
Signed: 1980
Left: 1983
Position: Striker
Biog
Sludden 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.
He moved onto a number of clubs and was a success.
Once he retired from play, John put a lot into Celtic‘s academy, and was a popular coach.
Sadly he died prematurely at 56, see below for full timeline posted on twitter by his son Paul Sludden:
On his passing, a nice touch from Celtic to wear black armbands in tribute to John Sludden, against one of his old teams, St Johnstone.
Quotes
| John Sludden | 1980-81 | 1982-83 | Gairdoch United | Celtic | Played in the famous England v Scotland schoolboy international when Scotland won |
| 1982-83 | loan | Celtic | Leeds | 5-4. Sludden scored a hat-trick for Scotland. Paul McStay also played in that game | |
| 1983-84 | 1984-85 | Celtic | St Johnstone | and the two signed for Celtic on the same day, 17 January 1981. | |
| 1985-86 | 1986-87 | St Johnstone | Airdrie | ||
| 1986-87 | 1989-90 | Airdrie | Ayr United | ||
| 1989-90 | 1990-91 | Ayr United | Kilmarnock | Sludden managed Bo’ness until October 2001. His assistant was Danny Crainie, then | |
| 1991-92 | 1992-93 | Kilmarnock | East Fife | Brian McLaughlin | |
| 1992-93 | 1992-93 | East Fife | Clydebank | ||
| 1993-94 | 1993-94 | Clydebank | Clyde | Now works as an U15 Coach at Celtic Academy. | |
| 1993-94 | 1994-95 | Clyde | Stenhousemuir | ||
| 1995-96 | ? | Stenhousemuir | Bo’ness United |
Pictures
Articles
Andy Robertson leads tributes to former Celtic coach John Sludden, as funeral details confirmed for ex-Ayr, St Johnstone and Kilmarnock striker
Tributes have been paid to former Celtic youth coach John Sludden who died last week following an illness.
By David Oliver
10th May 2021, 4:02pm
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/andy-robertson-leads-tributes-to-former-celtic-coach-john-sludden-as-funeral-details-confirmed-for-ex-ayr-st-johnstone-and-kilmarnock-striker-3231310
Sludden, a striker, played for several clubs including Kilmarnock, Stenhousemuir and St Johnstone – and was the last player to score at the Perth club’s old Muirton Park. However the strike came after his departure and was one of 78 goals during a prolific spell for Ayr United.
He was also well-remembered for his star role in a Scotland schoolboy international, televised against England in 1980. The striker, the aged 15, scored a double in the 5-4 Wembley win which also featured future Rangers player Paul Rideout for England, and Celtic captain Paul McStay. Sludden would later join the Hoops from St Mungo’s High school in Falkirk on the same day as his Scotland midfield team-mate.
After ending his playing career with local side Stenhousemuir, the 56-year-old moved into coaching first with Bo’ness United and later worked alongside Celtic legend Tommy Burns, his former Kilmarnock team-mate, in the Parkhead development sides.
Former Celtic youngsters Simon Ferry and Scotland captain Andy Robertson both paid tribute via social media to the former coach.
Ferry wrote: “Can’t believe this. One of the best guys you could ever wish to meet. Si stick my boots in that ice bucket will you pal.”
Robertson’s tribute read: “A fantastic coach and an even better man! My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest easy Sluddy.”
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Sludden went on to manage Camelon Juniors and East Stirlingshire in the Lowland League where he signed his son Paul – also a striker – who had spells with Falkirk and Stirling University, as well as East Fife and Stenhousemuir like his father. Football has also run in the family with youngest son Marc also a player with Dunipace FC in the East of Scotland League.
Sludden hit 78 goals in 140 appearances at Ayr (picture: SNS)
Sludden hit 78 goals in 140 appearances at Ayr (picture: SNS)
The 56-year-old died on Friday at Forth Valley Royal Hospital and is survived by his two boys, wife Linda, daughter-in-law Sam, granddaughter Elsie and mum Mary.
By PaulSludden @paulsludden10
Day 1: School Days
Dads football journey began at school with St. Francis Primary and St. Mungos High Schools in Falkirk.
Reaching the Scottish Shield Final in 1980 but losing to Cardinal Newman his goal scoring drew the attention of scouts from across the UK
Day 2: Boys Club
Dad’s club career started at Milburn Athletic (below), before a short stint at Stirling Boys Club, then onto Gairdoch United.
His individual performances led to trials at professional teams including Man United, Aston Villa, Leeds and Celtic @marc_sludden67
ay 4: Wembley 1980
After being selected for Scotland U15s, Dad scored 2 in a famous 5-4 win, infront of 80,000 fans against England. The other Scotland goals scored by Paul McStay (2) and Ally Dick.
He always spoke about this game with great pride.
Day 4: Celtic FC – 1980-84
Along with fellow Wembley 1980 team mate Paul McStay, Dad signs for Celtic after offers from all over the UK.
Scoring goals in the youth/reserve teams he goes on to play in the Glasgow Cup Final win against Rangers in 1982.
Day 5: Leeds United (Loan) – 1983 Celtic 1980-84
Dad continues to do well in the Celtic youth/reserve team before going on a short loan to Leeds United under legendary manager Eddie Gray.
Returning to Celtic for his final year in 1983-84 @marc_sludden67
Day 6: Representing Scotland
After the Wembley 1980 success Dad continues to represent Scotland at U15-U18 level.
Playing in the same teams as McStay, Dick, Robertson, Falconer, McKinley, Cooper, Black and Grant. Managed by Walter Smith and Andy Roxburgh. @marc_sludden67
Day 7: Scotland -Family Link #1
Dad and I both represented Scotland U18s against France. Dad’s team won the Monaco Tournament in 1982 and me in the Limoges tournament in 2008.
Incredibly Ross Mathie and Les Donaldson were a part of the both coaching teams. @marc_sludden67
Day 8: St.Johnstone FC – 1983-85 – (33 Apps 6 goals)
Dad signs for St. Johnstone under manager Alec Rennie in the Scottish Premier League. Although the club is relegated, Dad gains experience of first team football and scores 6 goals for the club. @marc_sludden67
Day 9: Airdrieonians FC (9Apps 0goals)
In July 1985, Dad signs for Airdrieonians in the Scottish First Division. Only a short spell at the club and not as fruitful as expected.
Maybe a lesson to young footballers; keep working and you never know what’s next @marc_sludden67
Day 10: Ayr United FC – 1985-89 (140Apps 84 goals)
After a loan spell, Dad signs for Ayr United in August 1986.
He goes on to have a prolific spell under ex Scotland manager Ally McLeod; striking up a formidable partnership with Henry Templeton. 1/3 @marc_sludden67
Day 11: Ayr United FC – 1985-89 (140Apps 84 goals)
Dad wins the 1987/88 Second Division title with Ayr, scoring 31 goals along the way.
He always spoke of the great team spirit being a major factor in the teams success. @marc_sludden67
@AyrUnitedFC
2/3
Day 12: Ayr United FC – 1985-89 (140Apps 84 goals)
During the Second Division title winning season, Dad is named PFA Scotland Players Player of the Year.
31 goals scored including 4 Hat-tricks in a 7 game spell where he scored 13 goals @marc_sludden67
@AyrUnitedFC
Day 13: ‘The Final Goal at Muirton Park’
While playing for Ayr, against his old club St Johnstone, Dad scores the final goal at Muirton Park in a 1-0 win on 29th April 1989.
@marc_sludden67
@AyrUnitedFC
@StJohnstone
Day 14: Ayr United FC – 1985-89 (140Apps 84 goals)
Dad’s final season at Ayr is the First Division 88/89 campaign.
Below is a link to an interview he done recently on the memorable time he had at the club @marc_sludden67
@AyrUnitedFC
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lacnwN
Day 15: Kilmarnock FC 1989-1991 (48Apps 15goals)
Dad signs for Kilmarnock under Manager Jim Fleeting, with the club in the Second Division.
A controversial transfer at the time but another memorable and successful experience in Dad’s career @marc_sludden67
@KilmarnockFCThe highlights of the game they won promotion are below:
Kilmarnock 2 – 1 Cowdenbeath
5th May 1990
Kilmarnock: Geddes, Montgomerie, Spence, MacKinnon, Flexney, Burns, Porteous, Tait, Watters, Sludden & Reilly
Subs: Wylde & Cody
Attendance: 8,526
Day 16: Kilmarnock FC 1989-1991 (48Apps 15goals)
During the 1989/90 season, re-united with ex-Celtic teammate Tommy Burns, the two strike up a formidable partnership to help the club win promotion to the First Division. 1/2
@marc_sludden67
@KilmarnockFC
@twistandturns_J
Day 17: East Fife FC – 1991-93 (71 Apps 34 goals)
In 1991, Dad moves from Kilmarnock to East Fife in a swap deal that sees Ally Mitchell go the other way.
A prolific two seasons, scoring 30+ goals during his time in Methil. @marc_sludden67
@EastFifeFC
Day 18: Family Link #2 – East Fife FC
Dad and I both played for East Fife, in 1991-93 and 2010 respectively. As always he had a much better record than me!! @marc_sludden67
@EastFifeFC
Day 19: Clyde FC – 1993-94 (17 Apps 4 goals)
Dad signs for newly promoted First Division side Clyde in 1993, after leaving East Fife, playing under manager Alex Smith. @marc_sludden67
@ClydeFC
Day 20: Stenhousemuir FC 1994-95 – (23 Apps 14 goals)
Dad finishes his senior career at his local club Stenhousemuir. Scoring more than a goal every two games during the 94/95 season in Division 2. @marc_sludden67
@StenhousemuirFC
Day 21: Family Link #3 – Stenhousemuir FC
Dad and I also both played for our local club Stenhousemuir FC. Ironically my first goal for the club was given to my Dad 20 years after he scored his last goal for them!!
Day 22: Bo’ness United – 1995-2001 Player/Manager
Dad takes his first steps into management with the Player/Manager role at Junior side Bo’ness United.
Spending 6 seasons at the club and winning a few trophies along the way🏆 @marc_sludden67
@BonessUnited_FC
Day 23: Celtic FC -2001-2013 (U12-U19 Academy Coach)
Dad returns to his former club Celtic as an Academy Coach.
He spends 12 years helping to develop a host of players including Aiden McGeady, James Forrest, Callum McGregor and Andy Robertson. @marc_sludden67
@CelticFC
Day 24: Maradona 🇦🇷 and Pele 🇧🇷 (2005)
While working with Celtic, Dad meets football greats Maradona and Pele during a tournament at the Aspire Academy in Qatar. @marc_sludden67
@CelticFC
Day 25: Camelon Juniors – 2014-2016 (Manager)
Dad takes over the manager role at Super League side Camelon Juniors, spending two seasons at the club and winning the Fife and Lothians Cup 🏆 @marc_sludden67
@OfficialCJFC
Day 25: Camelon Juniors – 2014-2016 (Manager)
Dad takes over the manager role at Super League side Camelon Juniors, spending two seasons at the club and winning the Fife and Lothians Cup
Day 26: East Stirlingshire FC – 2016-18 – Manager
Following relegation to the Lowland League, Dad takes up the manager role at East Stirling.
A memorable two seasons, playing an attacking brand of football with the club scoring over 200 goals @marc_sludden67
@TheShireFC
Day 28: Family Link #4 – East Stirlingshire FC
It was an experience I will never forget playing under my Dad at East Stirling.
My brother Marc signed for the club this season to add to the family association there
Day 29: Happy H Birthday Dad
Total Clubs: 8
Total Apps: 342
Total Goals: 160
Clubs Managed: 3
Thank you for following this month. Hope you have enjoyed and had a chance to relive some memories. We miss Dad every day but proud his football legacy lives on. @marc_sludden67
