Spotted playing for Tufnell Park, Fred Sargent's wing play encouraged Tottenham to take him on as an amateur and then, after a spell with Northfleet United - Tottenham's nursery club - sign him on professional terms within six months.

An aggressive runner with the ball, Sargent liked to attack his marker with the ball and use his blistering pace to leave him behind.  In doing so, he created many a chance, but also scored goals at a good rate too.

During the 1935-36 season, he ousted John McCormick from the side, but had to settle with a place in the reserves the following campaign, as McCormick returned, but suffered another injury, letting Fred into the side on a more permanent basis.  But the War was to intervene in Sargent's career, just at the wrong time for him.

Fred played two games for Southend United in the war-time league and also represented Aldershot, Burnley, Fulham, Hull City, Middlesbrough, Plymouth Argyle and York City during the conflict. 

Fred broke a leg playing at Chelsea in 1940, when he was not playing very well.  When peace was announced and he returned to Spurs, they cancelled his contract by mutual consent.  This allowed Fred to find a new club and he played for Chelmsford City from June 1945 until April 1948.

Fred Sargent died suddenly at the age of 36 from a stomach ailment, when playing in a practice match for the Essex club on 22nd August 1948 in New Barnet, North London.

Following his death Spurs played Chelmsford City in a friendly on 20th September 1948 to raise money for his widow and a crowd of 7,659 watched the match, which Tottenham won 5-1.  The game made £1,389 for the ex-player's wife.