John Patten arrived at Southampton as a trialist from Birmingham League Shrewsbury, expecting to board the Isle of Wight ferry with the Reserves, who were playing at Ryde. But an injury crisis detained him on the mainland, playing at The Dell, at outside-right against Watford in the Southern league.

The Echo felt that “his policy of parting before an opponent can get to him is to be commended”

and he played in most of the remaining Southern league fixtures, scoring twice in his four outings. It is not known whether it was the club’s decision or his – or maybe both? – that he should thereupon return to Shrewsbury where he duly signed pro. He later became a railway clerk.