But as people started praising his football he became much more confident. "I was 36 at Cardiff and he was young but we still had a really good bond when we played together. [18][22] Whittingham made his debut for Burnley in a 11 draw with Crewe Alexandra the following day. 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. A cultured central midfielder who played more than 400 times for Cardiff, the Nuneaton-born star spent six seasons of h Whittingham died aged 35. The Championship club were ready to welcome their hero back with open arms. Wittingham started his career with Aston Villa before joining Cardiff in 2007. [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. Whittingham died on 20 March aged 35 after suffering a head injury. When asked how . He absolutely loved playing football. 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. In 2007-08, the midfielder was influential in Cardiffs run to the FA Cup final, eventually won by Portsmouth. 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 hit his head just after 9.30pm. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Peter was a fantastic footballer and an incredible human being. He would never see his second son, who is now two years old. Peter Whittingham Cause Of Death. In a statement read to the hearing, Williams said: I would say that we were all drunk by the night. Whittingham's recall saw him moved to an unfamiliar role on the right side of midfield, but he soon settled into the role and started the majority of the remaining matches of the season, as well as being the team's top scorer (with three goals) during their FA Cup run. [16] After the match, O'Leary commented "Ive had a good feeling about Peter". Whittinghams wife and mother to their two young boys, Amanda Whittingham, told the hearing he left home at about 3pm without eating since breakfast because he was in a rush to catch the game. Obviously he had a great career, but you dont expect to have your life taken away so quickly.. It was his glowing reference that convinced Peter Ridsdale to sign off the 350,000 transfer to Cardiff in 2007 when Dave Jones was in charge. Colin Marshall, a midfield team-mate, explains: Basically we didnt have a left-back because we lost a lad just before the season started. 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. [70], In July 2022, two years after Whittingham's death, Cardiff retired the number 7 shirt as a tribute. Did you encounter any technical issues? First and foremost, Peter was a family man and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. 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. One of the reasons he stayed at Cardiff for so long was because of his wife, Amanda, who he met after relocating from the West Midlands to Wales. His goals, so many from outside the box, curling into the top corner, struck with venom, often on the volley and perfectly placed, made him a hero. Slade, his final manager at Cardiff, recalls an afternoon when they met for a chat to discuss the future after Whittingham had retired. He was so, so shy. "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. In February, Whittingham was nominated for the Championship Player of the Year award. Cause of death latest Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35 - but how did the former footballer die? His performances were praised by manager Dave Jones. I will forever be grateful for you taking me under your wing, he said on Instagram. Peter Whittingham's brother James looks back on his decorated football career and the painful memories of his death in March 2020 . 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. Amanda was pregnant with their second child when Whittingham tragically died in March 2020 after falling down a flight of stairs at a pub in Barry following a day out with friends. Peter Whittingham started his career at Aston Villa before joining Cardiff FC in 2007, The midfielder played for Cardiff until 2017, Tributes left outside Cardiff City stadium for Peter Whittingham. Read about our approach to external linking. During a period of horseplay with a friend and a relative he appeared to have lost his balance, traveled through or caused to open the fire door, fallen, and as he did so his head has come into contact with the steps, he added. Whittingham's former club Cardiff confirmed the news. [71], On 13 June 2017, Whittingham joined newly relegated League One club Blackburn Rovers on a two-year contract effective from the expiration of his Cardiff contract in July. Martin ONeills arrival at Villa had changed that outlook for Whittingham and he was allowed to move on. He just lacked a little bit of self-belief at the time, but Graham thought he could be a top Premier League player. At that point, he was said to be unstable due to the influence of alcohol. RIP. Recalling the pain, James says:It was very difficult for my folks, who are quite private people. That Whittingham made it as a footballer was a surprise given rugby was the main sport at his secondary school. He became hooked and was keen to improve and bring his handicap down. 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. When Whittingham passed there was a huge outpouring of emotion; from his family and friends, past and present team-mates and coaches, supporters and the wider footballing world. He brought quality and creativity to the team and raised levels in training. [77], Whittingham scored three goals for the under-21 team. But there was nothing we could do as we quickly realised it was very unlikely that he was coming back.. He used to just laugh it off.. Analysis and opinion from our chief football writer. Whittingham was a huge fans' favourite at Cardiff, scoring numerous spectacular long-range goals which helped earn him a place in the EFL's team of the decade for 2005-2015. The club added: "The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. If his children grow up to like football then it wont be long before they learn just how talented their father was. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him during my time at Cardiff City.. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age.. [83], In 2021, Whittingham's wife Amanda, brother James, sister Rachel and mother Sally founded a Registered Charity in his honour, named The PW7 Foundation. [29], The start of the 200809 season saw Whittingham continue playing on the right side of midfield, scoring his first goal of the season on 26 August in a 21 victory over Milton Keynes Dons in the League Cup. [17] He finished the season having made 39 appearances in all competitions as a left-sided midfielder, including playing six times in the club's League Cup run where they reached the semi-final before losing to Bolton Wanderers,[15][18] a match in which Whittingham was later branded a "scapegoat" for his side's defeat. He also led Cardiff City to win the 2013 Championship. He said: "I have been profoundly saddened by yesterday's terrible news. Hence, he lost his balance and fell off the stairs. Nobody did it better.". Follow Gregg on Twitter @greggevans40, Peter (left) and brother James started out in the Coventry youth system, Whittingham lining up for England Under-21s in 2005 (Photo: Nick Potts PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images), Whittingham scores a penalty in the 2012 Carling Cup final shootout (Photo: Adam Davy PA Images via Getty Images). 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. We had a good relationship on the pitch, it was a nice understanding. [80], In the immediate aftermath of Whittingham's death tributes were paid across the football world, including Whittingham's former clubs Aston Villa, Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers along with players such as Elliott Bennett and Mark Bright. 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. Former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham died after falling . I had so much respect for him.. Inquest into Whittingham death to be held, Russia launches pre-dawn missile attack on Ukraine, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended. Everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment. His 50th league goal for Cardiff came on 22 November against Coventry City. Coroner Graeme Hughes said Whittingham had consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted on his demeanour and steadiness before he fell. However, he didnt die on the spot, he was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Thoughts are with his family and friends pic.twitter.com/VnbPieSlrX. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, Explosion derails train in Russian border region, Banana artwork in Seoul museum eaten by visitor, Donald Trump arrives in Scotland on golf visit, NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, Indian 'killer' elephant relocated to tiger reserve, Ding becomes China's first male world chess champion. On November 30, there is a chance to pull all that together properly for a good cause and three charities. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. He certainly wasnt scared of retirement, James says. Some people might say that he stopped playing a little early (aged 35) but he had played a lot of games and his body was almost telling him it was time. A tribute to Peter Whittingham at Cardiff City Stadium last June. On 7 March 2020, Peter Whittingham joined his in-law Robert Williams and his friend Ryan Taylor at a Pub in South Wales to watch Wales v England in the Six Nations. To have also created so many lasting memories just look at the goals montage below is also special. Whittingham was born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire,[4] and attended King Henry VIII School, Coventry. [47] Whittingham scored a fantastic volley against Barnsley on 13 March, which ended up being voted Football League Goal of the Year award for 2011. Rest in Peace Peter Whittingham Didnt know him personally but have the biggest respect for his footballing ability and that wand of a left foot which scored so many free kicks which I absolutely loved watching. He also played a key hand in helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2013 for the first time. By mid-November Cardiff found themselves just above the relegation zone; this prompted a minor reshuffle from boss Dave Jones that involved Chris Gunter and Whittingham returning to the starting line-up. Whittingham then moved to Blackburn Rovers, before leaving a year later. [56] He was later named in the PFA Team of the Year for the Championship. But Peter wouldnt want us to mope around so we have to soldier on.. But it is with Cardiff that the stylish left-footed playmaker will be forever most closely associated. [69], Whittingham played less frequently for Cardiff after Neil Warnock was appointed manager in October 2016. He remembers the excitement in the Whittingham household when the former Villa manager Graham Taylor called to say Peter was going to make his debut at St James Park in a game with Newcastle United in April 2003. [10][11] He was handed his first team debut on 21 April 2003 by manager Graham Taylor against Newcastle United, as a half-time substitution for Gareth Barry in a 11 away draw. [68] Cardiff missed out on the play-offs at the end of the season. He always remained quiet but became famous for his one-liners. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasn't moving and something was wrong," he told the court. The hearing was told how Mr Whittingham had been drinking for hours while watching Wales v England in the Six Nations. VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules. [82], In March 2021, Pontypridd Coroner's Court recorded a verdict of accidental death, concluding that Whittingham was intoxicated and engaged in "horseplay" with friends before falling through a fire door and down a flight of stairs. "Not only were you a great player and professional you were an amazing human, City loves you more than you know.". [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. Former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham has died aged 35. He was out with his brother-in-law and a friend when the incident happened just after 21:30 GMT. [5] His father Harry was a well-known fishmonger in the area and was known as "Harry the Fish". There was no shortage of interest from other clubs and it can be revealed that on two occasions he came very close to leaving Cardiff but was held back by the love he had for the club. Read about our approach to external linking. Peter Michael Whittingham (/hwtm/; 8 September 1984 18 March 2020) was an English professional footballer. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Must live in Nigeria. It was a hollow experience and a painful period. After a successful trial, he signed for the Midlands club. He made one substitute appearance during the tournament, coming on late in a 22 draw with Italy. The ticket sales for that match at the Cardiff City Stadium raised money for the PW7 Foundation.[86]. Graham Taylor said that Peter was probably the most outstanding talent Aston Villa had got, Ridsdale said. [18], The following season, Whittingham began the campaign as a regular substitute and scored his only league goal for Villa on 6 November 2004, opening a 30 win over Portsmouth at Villa Park. In every aspect. During a period of horseplay with a friend and relative he appears to have lost his balance and gone through or caused to open the fire door, fallen, and his head has come into contact with the steps.. [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. Peter Whittingham died in March 2020 after spending 11 days in hospital, Former Aston Villa player Peter Whittingham died with head injuries after suffering a fall, Peter Whittingham spent 10 years at Cardiff, racking up 413 league appearances. His wife, Amanda, gave birth to his second son two months after his death. [65], Cardiff rejected two bids from unnamed clubs for Whittingham in the summer of 2015 and he was described as the club's kingpin, by manager Russell Slade. His retirement came about in 2018 after a spell with Blackburn Rovers. Coroner Graeme Hughes, who recorded a conclusion of accidental death, said Mr Whittingham had "consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted on his demeanour and steadiness" before he fell. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us., READ: Borussia Monchengladbach players offer to give up their salaries. 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.
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