John Sellars (footballer)

Sellars was born in Highfold, Urpeth, County Durham but grew up in Stoke, joining his local club Stoke City where his father Harry had played 395 matches for.[2] He and a number of younger players played for Stoke during the War and was a regular in the side until the Football League resumed in 1946–47 where his place was taken by George Antonio.[2] Frank Mountford's injury in January opened the door for the 22-year-old Sellars to take his chance and he filled in a right half easily, playing a vital role as Stoke fell short of winning their first ever League title.[2] In 1947–48 Sellars had to fill in around Stoke's injury ravaged team, playing at full-back, right-wing and even centre-forward before finding his place at left-half replacing Jock Kirton despite being right footed.[2] Manager Bob McGrory described Sellars as 'a managers dream' for his willingness to play in any position. Known also for his consistency, Sellars was ever present in 1948–49 and missed only three games over the next two seasons.[2]

That run was ended in 1951–52 after he suffered from a slipped disc. Sellars recovered and was a regular under new manager Frank Taylor as Stoke were relegated in 1952–53 and were then left frustrated in the attempts to regain their First Division spot.[2] His career was ended in a FA Cup match against Bolton Wanderers in January 1958 after he suffered a bad injury to his eye which left him with recurring double vision for the rest of his life. He retired in May 1959 and went on to run his own business in Bristol and was in the process to selling up and moving to Spain when he died in June 1985.[2]

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