Player Database: Ashley Sestanovich

By: Mike Gray
Date: 12/07/2005

Grenadian/Croatian midfielder who was given a 1 year loan contract from Sheffield United. Sestanovich, who had already spent time with Manchester City as a junior, was snapped up at the age of 22 on a free transfer from Hampton And Richmond FC.

United had loaned him out to Scarborough the previous season, and he played an integral part in an impressive FA Cup run for the Sea dogs (who were than managed by Slade), suddenly the name Ashley Sestanovich was a household name within football. With ex-Scarborough boss Russell Slade now in charge at Blundell Park, he was able to steal Sestanovich for a season.

At first he looked, sharp, powerful and better than the league, but later on in the season he got careless and looked like he wasn't interested. The loan deal was bound to go pear shaped and to kick it all off he drove back to his home in Catcliffe nr Rotherham after stropping over Slade's decision to put him on the bench in the home game with Swansea City.

However he returned but the damage was done. "Stan" made his final appearance coming off the bench against Northampton Town. He lasted 4 minutes before being sent off for abusive language towards the ref. Slade did not tolerate this and he had his contract torn up.

Two days later he was released by Sheffield United, and after a trial with Gillingham he joined Chester City, and made his debut at Blundell Park against Grimsby. A few months later he was sacked by Chester after a warrant was put out for his arrest when he failed to turn up to Grimsby Magistrates Court on a speeding offence.

Next Player: Terry Cooke

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