Southampton legend still has shrine to Saints in Australia garage

A Southampton local lad, former winger Sydenham, 84, made 401 appearances for Saints between 1956-1970.

Coming through the system together under Ted Bates, Sydenham and Terry Paine became the club's finest-ever pair of wide men. 

Among his greatest moments, Sydenham provided three assists for a Ron Davies four-goal haul at Old Trafford in a 4-1 win in 1969.

Following his career in England, Sydenham moved to Perth, Western Australia - much later officially scouting for the club. 

John Sydenham and Chelsea's 'Chopper' Ron Harris, pictured in Sydenham's home shrine (Image: David Reynolds)

David Reynolds, son of the late Ron Reynolds - goalkeeper at the Dell between 1959-1964 - recently contacted the Daily Echo. 

Reynolds had transferred from Spurs after conversations with Bates, who had met earlier while doing their coaching badges. 

With that move, Sydenham became a much-loved colleague, and so were sown the seeds of an eventual coincidence. 

A look at John Sydenham's Saints shrine at his home in Victoria, Australia!

😇 😇

With special thanks to David Reynolds.#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/nfd0c7kBKC

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) March 27, 2024

David later discovered that Sydenham was living on the Mornington Peninsula, around a mile from the granddaughter of his former Saints teammate.

David managed to meet up with Sydenham and his wife, Jean, several years ago for a long chat, while visiting his daughter and son-in-law. 

In doing so, he discovered Sydenham's shrine to Saints with memories from his impressive playing career. 

David Reynolds and John Sydenham at Sydenham's home in Australia (Image: David Reynolds)

Featured are several framed pictures, club insignia, a sign from Sydenham's testimonial and England youth caps. 

Sydenham has now moved to Trentham, Victoria, but David visited the former full-back frightener again in February to relive old memories. 

Sydenham is awaiting a knee replacement and already has two new hips but remains very agile of the mind and body. 

He still keeps up with Southampton's results and club news and remains in touch with Paine, who lives in South Africa. 

The former St Mary's College pupil remains a legend of the club and one of its most iconic characters.