“Enter The Saint” shouted the headlines in the local press after centre-forward John Sainty scored twice on his debut for Reading. That was on 19 August 1967 in a 3-0 home win against Stockport County, and the former England schoolboy international and prolific goalscorer for Spurs youth and reserve teams soon became a favourite with the Elm Park fans.

The goals continued to flow, including one in a League Cup giant-killing against West Bromwich Albion, and the only goal of the game in a hectic FA Cup replay against non-league Dagenham. But then they started to dry up, and after a couple of season and change of manager – Jack Mansell replacing Roy Bentley – Sainty was sold to Bournemouth in February 1970 for a reported fee of £4,000. He also playing on loan for Mansfield Town and finshed his playing career with a couple of seasons at Aldershot Town.

After retiring as a player, John moved into coaching and management, working with a series of league and non-league clubs, including Norwich City, Manchester City, Chester, Burnley, Southampton, Mossley and Armthorpe Welfare. In more recent years he was an occasional presence in the commentary box at the Madejsi Stadium, contributing reports to local radio stations.

John Sainty made a total of 77 first team appearances for Reading and scored 21 goals. His career total was 221 league appearances and 40 goals.

David Downs