Jon Gittens RIP

[Pete’s Picture Palace]

Sad news today of the passing of Jon Gittens aged just 55. He started as a centre back at Southampton but it was at Swindon in the late 80's when he was charged with marking Wright & Bright in the Div 2 play offs that I first noticed him. Palace won through but he gave a great account of himself and I thought he was destined for the top. He didn't quite make it but had a long career with over 400 league games at Saints, Swindon, Middlesbrough, Pompey, Torquay & Exeter before ending in non-league. Management and coaching followed in non-league and student football in the south west.

No age at all and a very good player. RIP Jon.

At Saints, in his second spell there, 1991



For Swindon, at West Ham, crunching David Kelly, 1989 FA Cup tie

[stfc831968]

Very sad news; i saw Jon play for Swindon many times in the 80's; formed a good partnership at the back with Colin Calderwood.

55 is a very young age; rest in peace Jon.