For the latest in our ongoing series covering those who have achieved legendary status among the support, we feature another former player nominated by Chris Winter.
Following on from those already covered – John Moore, David Preece, Mal Donaghy, Brian Lewis and Bruce Rioch
I’ve chosen to cover the Luton Town career of Fred Jardine.
Jardine was on the books of Luton Town from 1961 until 1972, over a decade of service and during his time with the Hatters he made 243 appearances.
Signed from Dundee by Sam Bartram, Jardine was, originally, a left winger but was converted to a full-back, by Bill Harvey, a position where he excelled.
Jardine first came to my attention in my first season as a Bobbers Stand regular, 1967/1968, a season which was probably his best.
Now youngsters of my age had a knack of idolising forwards, after all it was them that grabbed the goals was it not, but how could anyone of my age not be influenced by a full-back who, given the opportunity, loved to surge down the wing and join in the attack.
Indeed, as a youngster with his head on the front railings of the Bobbers Stand, I was fortunate enough to, for forty-five minutes of each game, have Fred surging back and forth right in front of me.
The season 1967/1968, as I mentioned before, was my first and it ended in glory with Luton Town winning the old Division 4 title, things, for me, couldn’t get better for a first season than that could they.
Unfortunately, for Fred, the quantity of appearances he was getting dipped in the following seasons and after more than a decade with Luton, he opted to join Torquay United for a short period, followed by a spell in local football with Ampthill Town.
Remaining in the area, I’m reliably informed that Fred worked in a gents outfitters, in Dunstable Road and could also be spotted manning the gates at the ground where he entertained so many with his tackling, speed and tactical-nous.
Sadly, Fred Jardine passed away, after a long illness, at the Luton and Dunstable hospital on 7th October 2019 aged 78.
RIP – Fred Jardine
Fred Jardine – Mini Fact File
Name – Frederick Jardine
Date of Birth – 27-September-1941
Place of Birth – Edinburgh, Scotland
Position – Defender
Youth Career – Edina Hearts
Career – Dundee, Luton Town, Torquay United, Ampthill Town
If you feel able to share any of your thoughts on the Hatters career of Fred Jardine, please feel free to do so in the comment facility beneath this article.
If you can think of anyone who deserves nominating for coverage in this ongoing series, please drop their name into the comment facility beneath this article.
My thanks go to those who have already nominated faces from the past, they will all be covered, in time.
Next up in the series will be – Brian Horton suggested by Mad Hatter
COYH’s
Previous article by Mad Hatter
Luton – Europe Could Have Been Quite A Journey For Us All
Could I add Mike keen to your list an kammy as well
Keen, yes, Kammay?
Chris kamara a legend on his own lol he played for us sometimes lol
40+ games, but divided the supporters, although Pleat must have thought he’d gotten a bargain!
Tony Read? Not many have played as a striker and a goalie.
On the list