[5] His father Harry was a well-known fishmonger in the area and was known as "Harry the Fish". 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". [80], On 18 March 2020, South Wales Police confirmed that Whittingham was in hospital after suffering head injuries as a result of an accidental fall at a pub in Barry on 7 March. Afterward, he walked off the corridor, distance from CCTV coverage, and used the fire exit. Its still hard for us all; my mum and dad, Amanda, who is such a strong, brave woman, his children. Recalling the pain, James says:It was very difficult for my folks, who are quite private people. [69], Whittingham played less frequently for Cardiff after Neil Warnock was appointed manager in October 2016. CCTV captured Whittingham engaging in horseplay with his wifes brother and a friend when he appeared to lose his balance and walked through a fire door off-camera and fell down eight steps and hit his head. 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. Whittingham made his 300th league appearance in a 11 draw with Burnley. The exact cause of Whittingham's death has not yet been confirmed, but he was being treated for a head injury. 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. 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. Whittingham was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. Everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment. Since the news of Wittingham's death, fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the former midfielder. 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. 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 . 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. 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. Solskjaer said: Peter was a fantastic footballer and an incredible human being. It was one of those moments where we spoke about life and football. But there was nothing we could do as we quickly realised it was very unlikely that he was coming back.. Taylor was a good coach for Whittingham. 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. CCTV captured Whittingham engaging in "horseplay" with his . [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. Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age.. All Rights Reserved. Did you encounter any technical issues? He absolutely loved playing football. The death of former Aston Villa and Cardiff City star, Peter Whittingham was subjected to a coroner inquest recently and the argument was that the death of the former England under-21 star was an accident.. 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. Then, as a professional footballer as a Bluebird [Cardiff Citys nickname] he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. He wasnt as interested in the long away days if he wasnt going to play. "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. 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. [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. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. "The thoughts . He made more than 450 appearances for Cardiff before finishing his career at Blackburn in 2018. 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. Former Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay said he was "deeply shocked and saddened" at the death of "an extremely gifted footballer and a great ambassador" for the club. After leaving the Welsh capital in 2017, he spent a season at Blackburn Rovers before retiring in 2018. [27] He quickly established himself in the team and was a first-team member until the end of the year, despite competition from Joe Ledley on the left-hand side. Unfortunately for Peter Whittingham, he fell and hit his head on the ground. He wouldnt open his mouth to anybody, Jim OConnor, his former Villa team-mate, and current assistant manager at Kidderminster Harriers, recalls. However, the former England Under-21 international died almost two weeks later. After a successful trial, he signed for the Midlands club. Whittingham died aged 35. Peter's understanding of football was really high. To play so many games, the majority in the top two divisions in England, was quite an achievement. In eleven seasons at Cardiff, Whittingham played 457 competitive matches and scored 96 goals, putting him seventh on the all-time appearances list and ninth among their goalscorers. "There's very few that stay at a club for that period of time and give their all every single season as well. 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. 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. Coasting through his latter years and picking up his paycheck was not for him. 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 made 16 appearances for Englands Under-21 team in that time, scoring three goals, while featuring in Villas Premier League side. We were screwed until the coach turned to Whitts. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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. 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. Afterward, he moved to South Wales where he has been living with his wife and son. 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. He was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but his condition deteriorated and he died on 18 March. THE football world has been left stunned by the passing of Peter Whittingham. On November 30, there is a chance to pull all that together properly for a good cause and three charities. It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. Taylor said he recalled people wanting to take photographs with Whittingham in the pub corridor, which led to steps taking guests to an external smoking area, but also said he had no memory of play fighting or Whittingham falling before he noticed him on the ground. (c) 2023 | Privacy policy | Futballnews All rights reserved. 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. [24], Whittingham started three of Villa's opening four matches of the 200506 season,[25] but returned to the Championship on 15 September, joining Derby County on a three-month loan. Whittinghams former club, Cardiff City, expressed heartbreak in a statement on its website. Graduate of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and retired Captain of the He underwent an emergency operation after the incident to relieve pressure on his brain while his family waited anxiously in hospital hoping he would pull through. He scored his first two in a match against Wales[78] before scoring his last goal in a match against Norway in February 2006. [56] He was later named in the PFA Team of the Year for the Championship. After a drop in form, Whittingham was left out of the team towards the close of the season, but managed his eighth and final goal of the campaign with a last-minute penalty at home to Blackburn Rovers on 1 April. He spent a decade with the Bluebirds, becoming a fan favourite during his 459 appearances. In every aspect. 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 transfer remains one of the best value-for-money deals the club has ever made. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasnt moving and something was wrong.. One of the best left-sided players Ive ever seen.. Match of the Day: What fans can expect as show returns this weekend. To have also created so many lasting memories just look at the goals montage below is also special. "He was a wonderful player, had the ability to score wonderful goals, could link games, could create, could take games by the scruff of the neck. Cardiff rejected the offer, promised to look after Whittingham if he stayed on board and stuck to their word. He was the only player available and he hit the ground running, grew in confidence and the coaches quickly started to love him.. Whittingham hung up his boots after a season at Blackburn Rovers in League One. During the coroners inquest into the cause of his death at Pontypridd Coroners Court in Wales, Peter Whittinghams in-law confirmed to the court that he and the ex-footballer drank for hours before he fell off the stairs at the Pub. Tributes to Whittingham continue to pour across social media. [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. 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). Police officer DC Steve Jenkins described seeing light-hearted play fighting which evidently involves no malice whatsoever and they are all smiling throughout after reviewing CCTV footage of the incident. "This has led to a traumatic head injury.". Peter spent 11 years at Cardiff City where he made 457 appearances and scored a total of 96 goals. She disclosed that Peter had only eaten breakfast before he left home. [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. He then scored his fourth during the following match, converting a penalty against Leeds United, his 350th career appearance. 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. Instead, there were other plans. Whittingham was voted the best player outside the Premier League in FourFourTwo magazine. [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. Whittingham started his career at Villa, where he played more than 50 league games and won 17 England Under-21 caps. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? 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. [18][22] Whittingham made his debut for Burnley in a 11 draw with Crewe Alexandra the following day. Mr Taylor said he remembered people wanting to take pictures with Mr Whittingham in the corridor but also had no memory of play fighting or the fall. Graham Taylor said that Peter was probably the most outstanding talent Aston Villa had got, Ridsdale said. [64] Despite a disappointing campaign for the Bluebirds, who finished in 11th, their lowest finish in 8 years, Whittingham was selected in The Football Manager Team of the Decade at the Football League Awards, on 19 April. He would never see his second son, who is now two years old. [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. [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. Peter Whittingham ended his football career at Blackburn in 2018 after he and the club agreed that his contract should be terminated. [79], At the time of his death, he lived in Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan with his wife Amanda and their son; their second son was born two months after his death. "I was 36 at Cardiff and he was young but we still had a really good bond when we played together. 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.. Whittingham, 35, suffered . 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. A Warner Bros. At Villa, it was me and Whitts down the left. 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. [6][7], Whittingham began playing football as a youth player with his local side Coventry City, joining the club at the age of seven. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. [6] His mother worked as a teacher. RIP. 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. Breaking through at Villa was far from straightforward though. But it was all a test. He did not regain consciousness and died in hospital 11 days later. Peter Michael Whittingham (/hwtm/; 8 September 1984 18 March 2020) was an English professional footballer. (modern). The Coroner said: Mr. Whittingham had consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted on his demeanor and steadiness before he fell. He became hooked and was keen to improve and bring his handicap down. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us., READ: Borussia Monchengladbach players offer to give up their salaries. [49], Despite the links with a move away from the Welsh capital, new Cardiff boss, Malky Mackay insisted that Whittingham was central to his plans. Mr Davison said: "All of us were pretty drunk at that point.". 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. "It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. Read about our approach to external linking. He died in March 2020, as a result of an accidental fall at a pub. Peter Whittingham's effortless style and set-piece prowess made him a fans' favourite at Cardiff. [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. Why Karim Benzema of Real Madrid Didnt Play Against Sevilla And Would Not Play Against RB Leipzig, Aurelien Tchouameni and Jules Kounde are on holiday in Miami amid transfer speculations, Jack Grealish: Manchester City offer Aston Villa 100m for English winger, Thomas Tuchel of Chelsea learned everything about football from Pep Guardiola, Kevin De Bruyne Has Backed Erling Haaland To Surpass Cristiano Ronaldos Goalscoring Performance, Paul Pogba sends a sweet message to his wife Maria Zulay for a wonderful Fathers Day meal and gifts, Kylian Mbappe takes France to the World Cup in a grand style, LeBron James had a bad 2021-2022 basketball season with LA Lakers but is very excited that Liverpool FC qualified for Champions League final, West Brom 2020-2021 Premier League fixtures: Complete Match Schedule, Former West Ham forward Enner Valencias sister was kidnapped in Ecuador.

Moral Vanity Definition, Content Practice A Lesson 2 Igneous Rocks Answer Key, Is Catherine Cracknell Related To James Cracknell, Terrence K Williams Fried Chicken, Articles P