FORMER Swindon Town defender Jon Gittens has had a pitch at the FA’s headquarters, St George’s Park, named in his memory.

An integral part of Town’s 1990 promotion-winning squad under Ossie Ardiles, Gittens made 165 appearances between 1987 and 1991 while later going on to become a leading voice in the conversation on equality, diversity and inclusion during his time with the FA.

Gittens died in 2019, aged 55, and the FA has now chosen to celebrate his achievements in football and his legacy in FA Education by opening The Jon Gittens Pitch at England football’s Staffordshire base.

The former Town defender’s family and friends were in attendance at the opening of the 3G playing area, as were a handful of FA members and all involved in planning the tribute.

The Jon Gittens Pitch will be used for coach development work at St. George’s Park, and the FA hope the re-naming will act as a lasting legacy to “a much-missed member of staff who was heavily involved in the delivery of FA coaching courses in both the grassroots and professional game – first as an affiliate member of staff before joining The FA as a full-time coach educator in 2012.”

After becoming a firm fans’ favourite at the County Ground, but prior to his career in coaching, Gittens represented Southampton, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Torquay United and Exeter City during a 15-year professional playing career.

Speaking at the pitch opening last week, Jon’s son Alexander said: “To rename a pitch here after Dad - a place that plays host to so many from all over the world, from grassroots to elite level - is a great honour and a fitting tribute to someone that gave so much of himself back to the game and those who played or coached it.

“To think Dad will continue to play a part in the development of future generations that come to train here is an amazing feeling and makes us all extremely proud.

“I hope The Jon Gittens Pitch can become a symbol and a reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and resilience.

“Fittingly, being Black History Month, I also hope that it can provide inspiration to anyone from under-represented groups making their way in the game. Dad was a proud Black man and I know giving something back to diverse communities was very important to him.”

Lucy Pearson, The FA’s director of education, said: “Jon’s legacy to the game is rightly marked with the naming of this pitch at St. George’s Park.

"His reputation as a considerate and thoughtful coach developer, whose passion for and insight into the game informed the development of many coaches up and down the country, is testament to his achievements and influence.

"As a Black former player and coach developer, Jon also led the way in creating the opportunities for coaches from under-represented groups to fulfil their potential, giving individuals the confidence to develop their coaching skill through his strong, supportive mentoring.

"He is a greatly missed colleague and the naming of the pitch is a welcome honouring of his life in the game.”