Ex-Southampton defender Jon Gittens has died, aged 55

Gittens, who also played for Swindon Town, Torquay United and Exeter City, had a three-year spell as Fareham Town manager (2002-04) before coaching Team Solent and then leading Blackfield & Langley (2007-10) into the Sydenhams Wessex League.

The Birmingham-born defender began his league career with Saints as a 21 year-old in 1985 after being spotted playing for Midlands Combination Paget Rangers.

He joined Saints shortly after competing a menswear tailoring course but moved to Swindon Town after being restricted to 18 appearances.

Gittens was the subject of Saints’ first transfer tribunal in 1987.

Signed by Saints for £10,000, he left for £40,000 after learning his trade alongside the likes of Mark Wright and Kevin Bond.

He made 126 appearances during his four years at Swindon, including victory in the 1990 second division play-off final, only for the Robins to be denied promotion due to financial irregularities.

Chris Nicholl re-signed Gittens for Saints in 1991 but only made another 19 appearances for the club. Gittens moved to Middlesbrough a year later after Ian Branfoot took charge.

He then moved to Pompey, making his 99th and final appearance in a 3-0 FA Cup defeat against Saints in 1996, before returning to Hampshire after ending his playing career in Devon.

We wish to send condolences to all that know Jon Gittens and especially his family on his really sad passing. Our own assistant @lukeypothecary rates Jon as his best ever manager and a brilliant man. #RIPJon

— Alresford Town FC (@AlresfordTown) May 11, 2019

Very very sad to hear the terrible news that Jon Gittens died. I loved him. His sense of humour, his "never surrender" attitude to play football. We spent an incredible season at @Official_STFC . RIP my friend. My thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.

— osvaldo ardiles (@osvaldooardiles) May 11, 2019

RIP Gitto 😢 https://t.co/zKPJ7aiO68

— Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) May 11, 2019

Sad to hear about the passing of Jon Gittens, was a great coach and led this @TeamSolentFC to a treble back in 05/06, was a big influence on my first year at uni. pic.twitter.com/1VEZezRNx5

— stretch barton (@stretchlar) May 11, 2019

We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of @FA national coach developer Jon Gittens.

Our thoughts are with Jon's family and friends at this time pic.twitter.com/0MNMSMMRKp

— St. George's Park (@StGeorgesPark) May 11, 2019

We are very shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Jon Gittens. Jon managed at B&LFC between 2007-2010 - sincere condolences and much love to his family and friends from all at @bandlfc 💚💔 https://t.co/rGBKOVfF0V

— Blackfield & Langley FC (@bandlfc) May 11, 2019

Sad news this morning regarding the passing of Jon Gittens. Jon worked with HFA in a number of roles and was an excellent ambassador for football. Jon’s legacy lives on through the army of grassroots coaches who has trained and developed over the years.

— Neil Cassar (@HampshireFA_CEO) May 11, 2019

Saddened to hear of former #SaintsFC teammate Jon Gittens passing aged 55. RIP Gitto 🙏🏼

— Francis Benali (@FrannyBenali) May 11, 2019

Devastating to hear of the news of the passing of former @SouthamptonFC defender and @SydWessex committee member, Jon Gittens. Our thoughts are with Jon's friends and family during this difficult time

— Winchester City FC (@wincityfc) May 11, 2019

We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of former #SaintsFC player Jon Gittens, aged 55.

Everyone at the club sends their condolences to Jon’s family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/zoXb5ZlwB6

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 11, 2019

So sad to hear the news that Jon Gittens has passed away😢played for Saints and Boro and I was his apprentice for 2 seasons at Saints. A great guy who will be massively missed. RIP my friend😢💔💔

— Neil maddison (@nmaddo) May 11, 2019