Analysis and opinion from our chief football writer. [60], Cardiff's debut Premier League season started off brightly with wins over champions Manchester City and Fulham. An ex-Cardiff City player hit his head and died after falling down stairs at a pub in a pretend fight with friends, an inquest heard. He signed for Blackburn Rovers in June 2017, and made 24 appearances for the club before his contract was terminated by mutual consent in August 2018. He certainly wasnt scared of retirement, James says. After the hearing, Coroner Graeme Hughes concluded that the former Cardiff City center-midfielder was not murdered but died by accident. The coroners court in Pontypridd, south Wales, heard the former England Under-21 international had gone drinking with his wifes brother and a friend to watch last years England v Wales Six Nations match. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham sustained a traumatic head injury at the Park Hotel pub on March 7, 2020, and was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff following the fall, but his condition depleted resulting in his demise on March 18, 2020. The game will also be used to officially launch the PW7 Foundation established in memory of the midfielder, but also to provide his sons with a tangible legacy for their father. (Photos: Getty Images; design: Sam Richardson). "It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. [41] On 24 April, he scored a free-kick during a 32 win over Sheffield Wednesday,[42] and the following day was named in the 200910 PFA Team of the Year for the Championship. He said: I walked over to him to offer my hand, thinking he would just take it and I would help him back up to his feet. On 26 August, Whittingham signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until at least the summer of 2014. It helped us all become better players and stronger people. Nobody did it better. Whittingham, 35, suffered a traumatic head injury at the Park Hotel pub in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, on 7 March 2020, and died in hospital 11 days later after failing to regain consciousness. I just know he had hit his head on the small step on the stairs. It'll be devastating for his family and everyone he's come in contact with. Mr Davison said: "All of us were pretty drunk at that point.". Whittingham made his 300th league appearance in a 11 draw with Burnley. He was living in Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, with Amanda and his young son when he died. In the community he was engaging and approachable. Since the news of Wittingham's death, fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the former midfielder. [59] Whittingham opened his scoring account for the 201213 season, on 2 September with a hat-trick in a 31 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us., READ: Borussia Monchengladbach players offer to give up their salaries. Born in 1984 in Nuneaton, England, Whittingham came through the youth academy at Aston Villa also spending loan spells at both Burnley and Derby County. [18][22] Whittingham made his debut for Burnley in a 11 draw with Crewe Alexandra the following day. He joined Cardiff for 350,000 in 2007 and established himself as a club legend with 459 appearances and 98 goals before leaving in 2017. As he grew in confidence, so did his stature in the team. A third added: "RIP Whitts we will never ever forget everything you have done for us and I am truly heartbroken that you have left us. Peter Whittingham made over 450 appearances and scored 98 goals in 10 years at Cardiff City. [54] Whittingham was part of all the matches in the League Cup campaign, which eventually saw Cardiff lose 32 on penalties to Liverpool in the final at Wembley Stadium. [5] His father Harry was a well-known fishmonger in the area and was known as "Harry the Fish". They are all in my thoughts at this time.". CCTV captured Whittingham engaging in "horseplay" with his . CCTV captured Whittingham engaging in "horseplay" with the pair in a corridor, before he appeared to lose his balance and walked through a fire door off-camera and fell down eight steps and . Match of the Day: What fans can expect as show returns this weekend. [74], Whittingham had his contract with Blackburn terminated by mutual consent on 31 August 2018. There were also discussions with staff at Cardiff about returning as a coach. He lived far away and said he would miss his girlfriend too much if he continued at Villa, so he became an electrician instead. Whittingham sustained a head injury on March 7 2020 after going out to watch England play Wales in the Six Nations, and died 11 days later in hospital. Whittingham started his career at Villa, where he played more than 50 league games and won 17 England Under-21 caps. [19][21] Having featured predominantly as a left-sided player during the early stages of his career, Burnley manager Steve Cotterill hoped Whittingham would make an impact as a central midfielder at the club, and hoped that he would do as well as Gary Cahill, another young player they had taken on loan from Villa. Peter Whittingham, a former Premier League soccer player from England, has died nearly two weeks after sustaining a serious head injury, South Wales Police confirmed this week. What Whittingham was really looking forward to, though, was family time and fatherhood. All Rights Reserved. "I was 36 at Cardiff and he was young but we still had a really good bond when we played together. In his 10 years at the club, Whittingham became a firm fan favorite, making 456 appearances and scored 96 goals including 25 goals in one season from midfield. Martin ONeills arrival at Villa had changed that outlook for Whittingham and he was allowed to move on. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer this morning described Sue Gray as a woman with a "formidable reputation" as he faces pressure to explain the circumstances of her job offer. It was a hollow experience and a painful period. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. James likes to focus on the good memories of his brother; all the goals he went on to score, the accolades, the PFA team of the year awards, playing in an FA Cup and League Cup final. He always remained quiet but became famous for his one-liners. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, rest in peace Whitts was too young, Whittingham played under current Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2014, and the Norwegian called him an incredible human being.. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. The second opportunity came just months later when Fulham, managed by Martin Jol in the Premier League, also offered improved terms. According to many of his team-mates, he didnt even practise set pieces either. Peter Michael Whittingham (/ hw t m /; 8 September 1984 - 18 March 2020) was an English professional footballer.His primary position was as a central midfielder, although he operated as a winger on both the left and right, as well as a second-striker.. He said: "During a period of horseplay with a friend and a relative he appeared to have lost his balance, travelled through or caused to open the fire door, fallen, and as he did so his head has come into contact with the steps. He did not regain consciousness and died in hospital 11 days later. Whittinghams brother-in-law Robert Williams said the pair and friend Ryan Taylor had been drinking lager, bitter and tequila during the afternoon and evening. Former Cardiff midfielder fell down stairs at a pub last March, Inquest hears he was drinking with brother-in-law and friend. Solskjaer said: Peter was a fantastic footballer and an incredible human being. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Peter Whittingham's brother James looks back on his decorated football career and the painful memories of his death in March 2020 . Everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment. We were screwed until the coach turned to Whitts. Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded a verdict of accidental death at the inquest at Pontypridd Coroner's Court. In February, Whittingham was nominated for the Championship Player of the Year award. [6][7], Whittingham began playing football as a youth player with his local side Coventry City, joining the club at the age of seven. In every aspect. But it was all a test. To have also created so many lasting memories just look at the goals montage below is also special. There was no stage too big for Whitts because he didnt take life too seriously but I think thats how he was so good, because everything he did was so relaxed., Danny Gabbidon, who worked as a player-coach at Cardiff in 2014-15, added: Technically one of the best players Ive seen. Tributes to Whittingham continue to pour across social media. Managers came and went first Jones then Malky Mackay, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Russell Slade, and Paul Trollope but Whittingham remained a constant, driving the team forward from midfield. His retirement came about in 2018 after a spell with Blackburn Rovers. [85], A tribute friendly was organised between Cardiff City and Aston Villa, which took place on 30 November 2022, during the break in both teams' respective leagues due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 2023 BBC. Whittingham collected a winner's medal as Cardiff lifted the Championship trophy following April's home encounter with Bolton Wanderers. [44] After scoring eight penalties in the previous campaign, Whittingham saw his first two penalties saved in this campaign, causing Jones to announce that Whittingham had been taken off penalty duty. Ryan Taylor, who was out drinking with Mr Williams and Mr Whittingham at the time said: "I dont know if there was some sort of horse play but the next thing I remember was that he fell but I don't know how he got there or how he had fallen. [70] As it was expected that his contract would expire at the end of the season, he received a standing ovation when substituted in his final home match, against Newcastle in 2017. [53] Following a goal scoring drought, Whittingham scored a penalty against Leicester in February and then scored straight from a corner against Peterborough. Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan offered his own tribute to Whittingham. Updated He made a second statement after police showed him CCTV from the pubs corridor, in which he confirmed he is seen messing about with Pete and Ryan but still had no memory of the incident. After leaving Cardiff in 2017, Mr Whittingham, originally from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, ended his career with Blackburn Rovers in 2018 before moving back to south Wales. Thoughts are with his family and friends pic.twitter.com/VnbPieSlrX. He wasnt as interested in the long away days if he wasnt going to play. For me he would be up there with the best Cardiff City player. Whittingham, Peter Frederick, 60, late of Pembroke Pines, FL and Portland, Jamaica, passed away on Wednesday April 29, 2009. Something went wrong, please try again later. She disclosed that Peter had only eaten breakfast before he left home. Previously he spent over a decade at the Birmingham Mail covering West Midlands football. "In my time at the club he was a dedicated team player and a popular guy in our dressing room," added Mackay. The difference was phenomenal. He had been out watching a Six Nations rugby match between England and Wales when he fell down the stairs of a pub, an inquest was told. Peter Whittingham hit the limelight when he won the 2001-2002 FA Youth Cup which propelled him to earn his first Premier League game less than a year later. He was on life support for almost two weeks. I walked over to him to offer my hand, thinking he would just take it and I would help him back up to his feet. "The news of Peter's sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. RIP. The transfer remains one of the best value-for-money deals the club has ever made. [66][67] Whittingham scored twice in a 41 win over Brighton & Hove Albion and overtook John Toshack and Hughie Ferguson in the club's all-time leading scorers list in English league competitions. Whittinghams former club, Cardiff City, expressed heartbreak in a statement on its website. Whittingham was voted the best player outside the Premier League in FourFourTwo magazine. Instead, there were other plans. Cardiff City retired his No 7 shirt and have continued to provide support to his family. Did you encounter any technical issues? "I was the first person there and offered him my hand thinking he would just take it and he would get up on his feet. Flicking through highlights of Peter Whittinghams brilliant career, his brother James is recalling the time when the midfielder decided to hang up his boots and retire from professional football. It was a wonderful career, perhaps not highlighted or praised as highly as it should have been. The pair settled on the outskirts of Cardiff, where Amanda was originally from. "There was an amazing period for Cardiff and him. He made 16 appearances for Englands Under-21 team in that time, scoring three goals, while featuring in Villas Premier League side. When asked how . He said: "I have been profoundly saddened by yesterday's terrible news. If his children grow up to like football then it wont be long before they learn just how talented their father was. The memorial match will give those who knew him well the chance to properly celebrate his life and career that started at Coventry City before he moved to Aston Villa in 2001 aged 16, and broke into the first team alongside Liam Ridgewell and Steven Davis. At his funeral shortly after his passing, only five family members were able to attend the socially-distanced ceremony due to regulations enforced around the COVID pandemic. After almost 600 competitive games more than 450 of those with Cardiff City the aches and pains of 16 years at the top were taking their toll. Peter's understanding of football was really high. His primary position was as a central midfielder, although he operated as a winger on both the left and right, as well as a second-striker. In the summer of 2012 when Southampton won promotion to the Premier League, they were prepared to significantly increase Whittinghams salary and offer him a return to the top flight. A fitting legacy for a special player and a true Cardiff great. throughout" after reviewing CCTV footage of . I cannot remember being in the corridor and messing about with Pete and Ryan. "Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. He became hooked and was keen to improve and bring his handicap down. The Coroner said: Mr. Whittingham had consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted on his demeanor and steadiness before he fell. He suffered a traumatic head injury and died in hospital 11 days later after failing to regain consciousness. It's tragic. Whittingham had loans at Championship clubs Burnley and Derby County in 2005. Tony McAndrew and Kevin MacDonald got the best out of players through disciplined, old-school management. Former Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham dies aged 35, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. ALSO SEE - Coronavirus in football: List of confirmed cases. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasn't moving and something was wrong," he told the court. Today the coroner's court in Pontypridd, south Wales, heard how the 35-year-old had been involved in a 'play fight' with friends before falling down the stairs which led to a beer garden. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, who played for the club from 2007 to 2017, suffered a traumatic head injury at the Park Hotel, Barry, on 7 March 2020. His performances were praised by manager Dave Jones. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. [25], On 11 January 2007, after making just five appearances for Villa since the end of his loan spell with Derby more than a year previously, Whittingham was transferred to Cardiff City for a reported fee of 350,000. [45] However, he did take and score Cardiff's next penalty against Coventry City in a 21 win[46] which added to his first two goals of the season scored from a brace of free kicks scored against Bristol City three days previously. But it is with Cardiff that the stylish left-footed playmaker will be forever most closely associated. Some time after 9.30pm he was in an area near the toilets and adjacent to a fire door leading to a corridor and steps and outside smoking area. The former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham died after falling down stairs at a pub following a drunken "play fight" with friends, an inquest has been told. Peter spent 11 years at Cardiff City where he made 457 appearances and scored a total of 96 goals. How to get into football - the most popular sport in the world, with clubs and facilities throughout the UK. His loyalty would also become one of the main reasons why the fans loved him. At that point, he was said to be unstable due to the influence of alcohol. There will be an inquest into the death of former Cardiff City footballer Peter Whittingham, the coroner's office has confirmed. Afterward, he moved to South Wales where he has been living with his wife and son. Aaron Ramsey, Juventus and Wales midfielder, came through Cardiffs academy while Whittingham was playing at the club, and paid his respects to his former teammate. At Villa, it was me and Whitts down the left. [72] Warnock praised him for his loyalty to the club,[73] and had offered Whittingham a one-year contract extension but made it clear that he would feature less often than he had done before. He would always give it to me and then overlap me. For more information and to buy tickets for the game, visit here. "Whits: You left great memories with so many people you came into contact with and you will be sorely missed. [12] He made two further substitute appearances before making his first start in the final day of the season in a 31 defeat against Leeds United. I really cannot remember anything much of what happened.. I found Peter to be the most humble of men, notwithstanding the fact that he was one of our very best and most naturally able footballers. Dr Christopher Hingston, an intensive care consultant at the hospital, said Whittingham had a Glasgow coma score of three the lowest possible score and meaning he was completely unresponsive during his admission. Gregg Evans is a Staff Writer for The Athletic covering Aston Villa FC.
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