A former Chelsea star was released by Arsenal due to a debilitating growth injury. But when they wanted to re-sign him, he rejected both the Gunners and a move to Manchester United.
John Sitton came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and looked set to be starring for his boyhood club in the near future, as the young prospect played two age groups up. However, his dream was ended by Osgood-Schlatter – a disease that causes inflammation of the patellar tendon below the kneecap.
However, the tough-tackling defender, who later went viral during his time as manager at Leyton Orient for an infamous half-time bust up, went on to salvage his career and caught the eye of top clubs around the country.
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Speaking exclusively to Daily Star Sport, Sitton, 66, said: “I was at Arsenal in the academy but I got a debilitating growth injury. I was 12 and I was with the under 14s and I got Osgood-Schlatter. So I got the dreaded letter, ‘we’re letting you go.’
“I was brought up as an Arsenal supporter, went to every home game with my dad in the North Bank. So it was quite a proud moment when I was invited in for coaching.
“But then I played through the pain barrier and within a few months I had the option of signing for 10 clubs. I was coming up to the age when you signed associated forms, so no other club could lay claim to you.
“And Arsenal were one of the 10 clubs that wanted me, they wanted me back. But I had a look around the various clubs. I said no, they had their chance.
“More or less every London club, plus at the time, Man United, Aston Villa and Colchester, funnily enough. It was a bit it was a bit strange.”
Reflecting on the chance to go to United, Sitton admitted: “It was too far. It was too much for me.
“Some people might find it hard to believe, but I was very shy, insular, an introvert, very much a home person. I was very much a mummy’s boy, but maybe I needed to go and grow up.
“They said they kept sending representatives down to Middlesex games before I went on to England school boy trials which I attended at Loughborough.
“Aston Villa, maybe a bit arrogant like, they introduced themselves once to me and then they just sent a booklet down showing a hostel where out of town apprentices would be based because obviously that’s the next step.
“But I went to Chelsea and fell in love with it. They had quite a successful four or five year period and the coaching was really fantastic. The atmosphere was fantastic.”
Sitton spent three years in the youth team at Chelsea before making his senior debut in 1977. He remained with the Blues until 1980 when he joined Millwall after falling out with England World Cup hero and then-Chelsea boss Geoff Hurst.
In October 2016, Sitton released his autobiography ‘A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing – A Life In Football’ – it offers more insight behind the scenes of how football clubs operate as well as his interesting career. The book is still available to buy on Amazon.
Sitton also hosts the ‘John Sitton Podcast: Football Uncensored’ featuring Rob Kirton on YouTube.