John Sainty was coach at Carrow Road at the beginning of the 1980s. He left to follow John Bond to Manchester City in October 1980.

Prior to joining Norwich, John's playing career started at Tottenham where he turned professional in July 1963. Failing to make an appearances, he joined Reading in 1967 and notched 19 goals in 71 appearances. He transferred to John Bond's Bournemouth for £5000 in 1970 and made 118 appearances for the Cherries scoring 21 times. His playing career finished at Aldershot where 29 appearances were made. He then teamed up again with John Bond and came to Norwich

After John left Manchester City, he became manager of Chester. He later managed non-leaguers Glossop North End and Mossley before joining Stockport where he was Assistant Manager to Danny Begara and David Jones. He followed Jones to Southampton where his Norfolk links proved valuable with the 1998 signing of Mark Paul from King's Lynn. Although Jones has left S'oton, John remained as Chief Scout for a while before moving to Lymington and New Milton. In July 2004, he became head coach at Sydenhams Wessex League side Bemerton Healh Harlequins.

John also provided expert match analysis for the Press Association, covering games at Bourenmouth, Salisbury City and Aldershot Town.

Sainty passed away in April 2023.