[3] Sludden joined Leeds United on trial in May 1983 but failed to secure a contract.
Whilst at Somerset Park under the club's manager Ally MacLeod, Sludden was part of a talented attack-minded team, alongside players such as Henry Templeton.
In the 1987–88 season the "Honest Men" won the Second Division Championship as Sludden scored 31 league goals.
Sludden was appointed player-manager of Junior club Bo'ness United in 1995 and resigned in October 2001.
[4] Later that same month, Sludden was confirmed as manager of East Stirlingshire, following their relegation to the Lowland League.