John Herbert Norton Fitzpatrick (18 August 1946 – 21 December 2020) was a Scottish footballer who played variously as a wing half, forward and full-back for English club Manchester United.
He joined the Manchester United ground staff as a 15-year-old and made his way up through the club's ranks before complications from a knee injury forced him to retire from playing at the age of 26.
[1] After being part of the team that won the FA Youth Cup in April 1964,[1] which also included John Aston, David Sadler and George Best, Fitzpatrick made his professional debut at the age of 18 in February 1965, filling in for the injured Nobby Stiles at left-half in a 1–0 away defeat to Sunderland.
Although he was able to return for the start of the 1972–73 season, he lasted just six matches in the first team and another two in the reserves before retiring on medical advice, bringing to an end a career in which he made nearly 150 appearances, and scored 10 goals.
[5] In recognition of his nine years of service to the club, Manchester United presented Fitzpatrick with a cheque for £20,000, as well as organising a cabaret dinner in his honour, which raised a further £1,000.