He reportedly got to the Pub in the afternoon and drank alcohol until the evening of that day. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him during my time at Cardiff City.. 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. Peter Whittingham Dead After Suffering Head Injury - People He used to just laugh it off.. "They are at the forefront of our thoughts and, on their behalf, we ask for their privacy to be respected at this unfathomably cruel and difficult time.". [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. He became a brilliant player. In 2007-08, the midfielder was influential in Cardiffs run to the FA Cup final, eventually won by Portsmouth. That every manager he played for kept him in the team and encouraged the club to reward him with a competitive salary also spoke volumes. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? Staff would watch in awe as he rarely misplaced a pass. He then scored his fourth during the following match, converting a penalty against Leeds United, his 350th career appearance. What was Peter Whittingham's cause of death, how old was the former 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 has an older brother named James who works as an investment banker for Goldman Sachs. How to get into football - the most popular sport in the world, with clubs and facilities throughout the UK. Peter Whittingham Obituary (2009) - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Sun-Sentinel [55] Whittingham then won his second Cardiff City player of the year award at the end of the season. Read about our approach to external linking. Former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham has died aged 35. "He never coasted, he was always at the top of his game; he gave everything he had.". We both lived in the same town in Cardiff and I remember once when the season was over we had a drink together at a pub. To have also created so many lasting memories just look at the goals montage below is also special. [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. Politics latest updates: NHS 'on the brink' says nursing union; 10% Then, as a professional footballer as a Bluebird [Cardiff Citys nickname] he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. 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Theres a largely untold story about how Whittingham found his way into the team that would go on to win the FA Youth Cup in 2002. 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. But Peter wouldnt want us to mope around so we have to soldier on.. 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. At Villa, it was me and Whitts down the left. Cardiff said they were "heartbroken" in a statement on their website. 13:57, Fri, Mar 20, 2020 | UPDATED: 13:59, Fri, Mar 20, 2020. [51] Whittingham played a big role in Cardiff's centre midfield, producing many impressive performances and scoring several fine goals, including direct freekicks against Peterborough and Crystal Palace as well as a sublime chip from 35 yards away to Reading. [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. Mrs Whittingham gave birth to their second son two months after his death. I played in front of him for the whole time, says Foley. Cardiff City retired his No 7 shirt and have continued to provide support to his family. 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. 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. It helped us all become better players and stronger people. Nicholas Davison, a friend of Whittingham and his brother-in-law Robert Williams, said the group drank "between six and 10 pints" and had a "round of shots" at The Park pub. [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. Slade, his final manager at Cardiff, recalls an afternoon when they met for a chat to discuss the future after Whittingham had retired. He did not regain consciousness and died in hospital 11 days later. The pair settled on the outskirts of Cardiff, where Amanda was originally from. Everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment. "We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.". As he grew in confidence, so did his stature in the team. (modern). But it was all a test. [7][8] Coventry scout Ray Gooding, who had argued against his release, instead rang officials at Aston Villa to recommend Whittingham. [48] At the end of the season, Cardiff failed to gain promotion for a second year running and Whittingham was heavily linked with a move away from Cardiff City Stadium, being linked with newly promoted Norwich City and Portsmouth. "Off the field he was a measured, kind, articulate and warm-hearting man. One wrote on Twitter: "Incredibly sad news. Whittingham said that he was fully committed to Cardiff, stating: "I'm happy here and until the gaffer [Malky Mackay] wants to sell me I'm here. Peter Whittingham dead: Find out how the former Cardiff star died, Peter Whittingham started out at Aston Villa, Peter Whittingham tributes: Football world pays respects, Peter Whittingham dead: Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pays tribute, Peter Whittingham became a club legend at Cardiff City, Peter Whittingham dead: Former Cardiff and Aston Villa midfielder dead, Coronavirus in football: List of confirmed cases, Sports documentaries available on Amazon Prime amid coronavirus crisis. I can also confirm I cannot remember seeing Pete fall, and only remember seeing him laying on the ground.. CCTV captured Whittingham engaging in "horseplay" with his . Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Peter Whittingham: Inquest into Cardiff City legend's death If his children grow up to like football then it wont be long before they learn just how talented their father was. Whittingham: 'He played football and that was him talking. No words [63], In July 2014, Whittingham signed a new three-year deal keeping him till in the Welsh capital until 2017. He was out with his brother-in-law and a friend when the incident happened just after 21:30 GMT. Afterward, he walked off the corridor, distance from CCTV coverage, and used the fire exit. In January 2007, he signed for Cardiff City for a fee of 350,000. But as people started praising his football he became much more confident. [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. The more difficult bit to write is how it all ended, so quickly but also painfully drawn out in the end. Tony McAndrew and Kevin MacDonald got the best out of players through disciplined, old-school management. He just lacked a little bit of self-belief at the time, but Graham thought he could be a top Premier League player. "Whits: You left great memories with so many people you came into contact with and you will be sorely missed. By Andy Wilson. "In my time at the club he was a dedicated team player and a popular guy in our dressing room," added Mackay. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. Cause of death latest Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35 - but how did the former footballer die? Peter was a fantastic footballer and an incredible human being. Peter Whittingham death: Tributes paid to Cardiff City legend who died In 2009-10, he scored 25 times in 51 games from midfield. 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. After the hearing, Coroner Graeme Hughes concluded that the former Cardiff City center-midfielder was not murdered but died by accident. [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. Whittingham played with Coventry until the age of 16 but was released in 2001 after the club opted against offering him a contract with officials believing he was too small to play professionally. 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. An inquest heard former Cardiff City footballer Peter Whittingham died in a tragic accident after falling on some stairs leading to a beer garden. Coasting through his latter years and picking up his paycheck was not for him. He brought quality and creativity to the team and raised levels in training. An inquest today heard that former Cardiff City star Peter Whittingham fell down a flight of stairs after engaging in 'horse play' on the night he died in March 2020, For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter. Peter Whittingham - Wikipedia He was part of the Aston Villa team that won the 200102 FA Youth Cup, and a year later he made his Premier League debut. Did you encounter any technical issues? [32], In the first match of the 200910 season, Whittingham converted a penalty during a 40 win over Scunthorpe United in the first ever competitive match at the Cardiff City Stadium[33] and scored in consecutive rounds of the League Cup in wins over Dagenham & Redbridge[34] and Bristol Rovers. He would never see his second son, who is now two years old. THE football world has been left stunned by the passing of Peter Whittingham. Nobody did it better. "They are at the forefront of our thoughts and, on their behalf, we ask for their privacy to be respected at this unfathomably cruel and difficult time. Read about our approach to external linking. [74], Whittingham had his contract with Blackburn terminated by mutual consent on 31 August 2018. As he got older he had to be present, scoring goals, taking set pieces perhaps not winning as many headers as he would have liked or closing his man down quick enough but always doing a job for the team.. Martin ONeills arrival at Villa had changed that outlook for Whittingham and he was allowed to move on. On November 30, there is a chance to pull all that together properly for a good cause and three charities. "I was 36 at Cardiff and he was young but we still had a really good bond when we played together. (Photos: Getty Images; design: Sam Richardson). All rights reserved. Whittingham, 35, suffered . [61] Whittingham scored his first Premier League goal in nine years against Hull City. Mr Williams said: I cannot remember any of the specific events of the play fight that is captured in the CCTV footage. "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. Mr Whittingham's wife Amanda said he had not eaten since breakfast as he had been in a "rush" to watch the game when he left home at 15:00 GMT. Analysis and opinion from our chief football writer. South Wales Police says it will give any information about Whittingham's death to the coroner having found "no evidence of a criminal act", adding "it appears the injury was caused by an accidental fall". You talk about players you've played with - he's the first player I talk about, his quality. Golf became his new passion. 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. 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. 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. He was part of the Aston Villa team that won the 2001-02 FA Youth Cup, and a year later he made his Premier League debut. 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. He was named three times in the Championship's PFA Team of the Year, and his 20-goal haul in the 200910 season made him the division's top scorer. The ex-footballer had been in hospital for over a week prior to his death. He was a real student of the game and I used to say to him that he should write a book about tactics, formations and ways to beat opposition teams, James says. The Championship club confirmed Whittingham's death on Thursday . He wouldnt open his mouth to anybody, Jim OConnor, his former Villa team-mate, and current assistant manager at Kidderminster Harriers, recalls. In a statement read to the hearing, Williams said: I would say that we were all drunk by the night. 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. [7][9], Whittingham signed with Aston Villa in April 2001 and was part of the club's FA Youth Cup-winning team of 2002. In February, Whittingham was nominated for the Championship Player of the Year award. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. However, he didnt die on the spot, he was rushed to the hospital for treatment. "He was fantastic. I just know he had hit his head on the small step on the stairs. His languid style, his talented left foot former Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann referred to as one of the best left pegs Ive seen and his uncanny ability to score long-range goals helped Cardiff reach the 2008 FA Cup final and the 2012 League Cup final. We are heartbroken," they wrote in a statement. After the game and hours of drinking, Peter Whittingham decided to take a walk through the corridor of the Pub. Peter Whittingham's wife speaks publicly for the first time in moving appreciated. "When I looked more closely I could see he was not moving and something was wrong.. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. There were also discussions with staff at Cardiff about returning as a coach. On 26 August, Whittingham signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until at least the summer of 2014. It'll be devastating for his family and everyone he's come in contact with. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The first is not well known. Former team-mate and Bluebirds captain Mark Hudson said he had been "blessed" to play alongside Whittingham. [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. A tribute to Peter Whittingham at Cardiff City Stadium last June. He did not regain consciousness and died in . The Coroner said: Mr. Whittingham had consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted on his demeanor and steadiness before he fell. Nevertheless, he was named Villa's young player of the season for the campaign. 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. Peter Whittingham's brother James looks back on his decorated football career and the painful memories of his death in March 2020 . Whittingham hung up his boots after a season at Blackburn Rovers in League One. He was witty but there was always a soft and humble side to him which the people of Cardiff quickly found out. Former Premier League footballer Peter Whittingham has died at age 35 nearly two weeks after sustaining a head injury in an accidental fall at a pub, according to South Wales police.