John Sleeuwenhoek Explained

John Sleeuwenhoek
Fullname:John Cornelius Sleeuwenhoek
Birth Date:26 February 1944
Birth Place:Wednesfield, England
Death Place:Birmingham, England
Position:Centre half
Youthyears1:1959–1961
Youthclubs1:Aston Villa
Years1:1961–1967
Clubs1:Aston Villa
Caps1:226
Goals1:1
Years2:1967–1971
Caps2:30
Goals2:0
Years3:1971
Clubs3:Torquay United (loan)
Caps3:11
Goals3:0
Years4:1971–1972
Caps4:2
Goals4:0
Nationalyears1:1962–1963
Nationalteam1:England U23
Nationalcaps1:2
Nationalgoals1:0

John Cornelius Sleeuwenhoek (26 February 1944 – 20 July 1989) was an English professional footballer who played as a centre half. He made 269 appearances in the Football League, mainly for Aston Villa, and was capped twice for England U23.

Sleeuwenhoek was born in Wednesfield, Staffordshire, the son of a Dutch paratrooper.[1] He started his football career as a junior with Aston Villa, turning professional in 1961, and played regularly for the club for six seasons.[1] While at the club he won two caps for England at under-23 level,[2] and also played for a representative Football League XI. He then moved to Birmingham City, but recurrent knee problems dogged his later career. After spells at Torquay United and Oldham Athletic he retired from professional football at the early age of 28.[1]

He was affectionately known as 'Tulip' due to his Dutch roots.[1]

He died in Birmingham in July 1989, aged 45.

References

Club statistics

Specific

Notes and References

  1. Book: Matthews, Tony . Birmingham City: A Complete Record . Breedon Books . Derby . 1995 . 124 . 978-1-85983-010-9.
  2. Web site: England – U-23 International Results– Details . Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) . Barrie . Courtney . 27 March 2004 . 17 March 2017.