Liverpool and Scotland star Andy Robertson and clubs across Scotland have paid tribute to John Sludden after he passed away, aged 56.
The striker shot to fame in 1980 by scoring a double for Scotland schoolboys in a famous 5-4 win over England at Wembley. He signed for Celtic before going on to feature for St Johnstone, Airdrie, Ayr, Kilmarnock, East Fife, Clydebank, Clyde and Stenhousemuir.
He managed Bo’ness United, Camelon juniors and East Stirling until 2018 while he was also a youth development coach at Celtic in his career. Liverpool ace Robertson said: “A fantastic coach and an even better man! My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest easy Sluddy.”
The Liverpool and Scotland star has sent his well-wishes to John Sludden and his family. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Jim Duffy, current Dumbarton manager and former teammate of Sludden, added: “John was a really talented player and he was a genuinely lovely, funny man and everyone liked him. When he went into management I was surprised as he was so nice but he had great banter and the players enjoyed working with him.”
Several more have joined the Dumbarton boss and Liverpool star in paying their respects.
😭 Cant believe this. One of the best guys you could ever wish to meet. Si stick my boots in that ice bucket will you pal ❤️ https://t.co/qop9FJDBgI
— Si Ferry (@siferry8) May 7, 2021
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a club legend, John Sludden.
John scored 84 goals for United, including 31 during our Second Division title winning season in 1987/88.
Our thoughts are with all of his friends and family at this time. pic.twitter.com/uZjYmGeMfl
— Ayr United (@AyrUnitedFC) May 7, 2021
Devastated to hear this news today. A really nice man and manager that I will thanks and remember for the rest of my days. https://t.co/mrnwnYXzzH
— Gregor Fotheringham (@G_Fotheringham) May 7, 2021
Gutted to hear this sad news!
Lucky to play under John at @Camelonjuniors and then the @TheShireFC Probably the best football I’ve played in John’s ultra attacking teams! Thoughts with @PaulSludden10 @marc_sludden67 and the rest of family ❤️ https://t.co/6979vbjbSE— David Grant (@Granty_10) May 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/StJohnstone/status/1390670952128786438/photo/1
All at the club are saddened to hear of the passing of John Sludden.
John was part of our 1989/90 squad, which won promotion from the Second Division.
Our thoughts are with John's family pic.twitter.com/1ZbG1IBW4U
— Kilmarnock FC (@KilmarnockFC) May 7, 2021
JOHN SLUDDEN | Very sad news about the passing of former player John Sludden.
John scored an impressive 39 goals in 86 appearances during his time at Bayview.
The club would like to extend its sincere condolences to John's family and friends. pic.twitter.com/Xql5zyuusq— East Fife FC (@EastFifeFC) May 7, 2021
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, John Sludden.
John played 23 times for The Warriors during the 1994-95 season, scoring 14 times before moving onto Bo’ness United.
Our thoughts are with all of his friends and family at this time.
— Stenhousemuir FC (@StenhousemuirFC) May 7, 2021
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