John Pender

John Patrick Pender (born 19 November 1963) is an Irish retired professional footballer who played as a central defender. Career Born in Luton, Pender made his professional debut for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Swansea City in March 1982, aged 18. During his career at Wolves, he helped the team win promotion to the First Division in 1982–83, and was capped five times by the Republic of Ireland under-21 side. Pender moved to Charlton Athletic in 1985, once again earning promotion to the First Division in 1985–86, before joining Bristol City in 1987. In 1990, Pender joined Burnley for a fee of £70,000. At Burnley, he was part of the squad that won the Fourth Division in 1991–92, and also played in the 2–1 win against Stockport County in the 1994 Second Division play-off final. He is one of only two Burnley captains to have led the side to two promotions, the other being Martin Dobson.