Sidney Pugh was born in Dartford, Kent on 10th October 1919. He played football for Nunhead and Margate in the Southern League. A talented wing-half he was signed by Arsenal in April 1938. He made his league debut against Birmingham City on 8th April 1939.

Most of Arsenal playing staff joined the Royal Air Force on the outbreak of the Second World War. This included Ted Drake, Jack Crayston, Eddie Hapgood, Leslie Jones, Bernard Joy, Alf Kirchen, Laurie Scott and George Swindin. Some of them got jobs as Physical Training instructors and did not see action. However, Sidney Pugh became a flying officer and was killed in April 1944.