Cardiff rejected the offer, promised to look after Whittingham if he stayed on board and stuck to their word. The club added: "The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. [31] However, he returned to the team ahead of schedule, coming on as a late substitute during a 11 draw with Reading on 26 December. He was a really important player and was . [7][9], Whittingham signed with Aston Villa in April 2001 and was part of the club's FA Youth Cup-winning team of 2002. But his real success came after transferring to Welsh side Cardiff City for 350,000 ($412,000) in 2007, according to the BBC. [6] His mother worked as a teacher. 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. Match of the Day: What fans can expect as show returns this weekend. On 26 August, Whittingham signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until at least the summer of 2014. Nobody did it better. There were also discussions with staff at Cardiff about returning as a coach. [56] He was later named in the PFA Team of the Year for the Championship. [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. THE football world has been left stunned by the passing of Peter Whittingham. [50] Whittingham started the first match against West Ham United, and scored his first goal of the season against Oxford United after coming on for Solomon Taiwo. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Whittingham died on 20 March aged 35 after suffering a head injury. Martin ONeills arrival at Villa had changed that outlook for Whittingham and he was allowed to move on. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. It was a hollow experience and a painful period. "Then, as a professional footballer - as a Bluebird - he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. 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. The former footballer suffered a series of trauma due to the fall and on the 11th day at the hospital, the medical personnel couldnt manage the situation anymore which led to his death. Peter was a fantastic footballer and an incredible human being. Whittingham was taken to Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales and placed on life support. He died in the early hours of Sunday morning near Eclipse nightclub in Bodmin, Woman heard unleashing 'full body screaming orgasm' as world famous orchestra performs, A sound clip has gone viral on social media which appeared to capture a woman having a "screaming orgasm" at a live performance of the LA Philharmonic on April 28, Prostitute 'stabs client in the penis in furious row over 80p sex session', A sex worker reportedly stabbed a customer's penis in a dispute over an 80p payment. Wh CCTV captured Whittingham engaging in "horseplay" in a corridor, before he appeared to lose his balance, walk through a fire door off-camera and fall down eight steps and hit his head. I cannot remember being in the corridor and messing about with Pete and Ryan. We had a good relationship on the pitch, it was a nice understanding. His four goals in five matches led to Whittingham being nominated for the November Championship Player of the Month. [61] Whittingham scored his first Premier League goal in nine years against Hull City. He was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but his condition deteriorated and he died on 18 March. How to get into football - the most popular sport in the world, with clubs and facilities throughout the UK. After leaving the Welsh capital in 2017, he spent a season at Blackburn Rovers before retiring in 2018. Whittingham died aged 35. Graham Taylor said that Peter was probably the most outstanding talent Aston Villa had got, Ridsdale said. That Whittingham made it as a footballer was a surprise given rugby was the main sport at his secondary school. Mr Williams said: I cannot remember any of the specific events of the play fight that is captured in the CCTV footage. The hearing was told how Mr Whittingham had been drinking for hours while watching Wales v England in the Six Nations. That run saw him score in matches against Chasetown, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Middlesbrough, before Cardiff eventually lost 10 to Portsmouth in the final. The transfer remains one of the best value-for-money deals the club has ever made. [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. 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 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. . 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. My dad answered the phone and was told to get everyone up there. [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. throughout" after reviewing CCTV footage of . "This has led to a traumatic head injury.". [69], Whittingham played less frequently for Cardiff after Neil Warnock was appointed manager in October 2016. Peter's understanding of football was really high. The Coroner said: Mr. Whittingham had consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted on his demeanor and steadiness before he fell. [68] Cardiff missed out on the play-offs at the end of the season. In January 2007, he signed for Cardiff City for a fee of 350,000. 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 always appeared far too good for the Championship. 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. "Off the field he was a measured, kind, articulate and warm-hearting man. [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. Must live in Nigeria. Recalling the pain, James says:It was very difficult for my folks, who are quite private people. 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. Whittingham was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him during my time at Cardiff City. [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. By Andy Wilson. Updated He absolutely loved playing football. [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. [70], In July 2022, two years after Whittingham's death, Cardiff retired the number 7 shirt as a tribute. [55] Whittingham then won his second Cardiff City player of the year award at the end of the season. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasnt moving and something was wrong, he told the court. 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. His memory will live on and I send my love and heartfelt condolences to his dear family. Peter Whittinghams wife, Amanda told the court that his late husband left the house in a hurry to catch up with the rugby game involving Wales and England. The Championship club confirmed Whittingham's death on Thursday . 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 . He recalls the early days when Whittingham was taking the first steps in his successful career. Peter spent 11 years at Cardiff City where he made 457 appearances and scored a total of 96 goals. "I was 36 at Cardiff and he was young but we still had a really good bond when we played together. However, he didnt die on the spot, he was rushed to the hospital for treatment. 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. "Whitts as a human first and foremost was generous, was never too high, was never too low; loved football, enjoyed the game, loved everything about it and was a loving husband and dad. 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 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. The ex-Aston Villa player had been in hospital for more than a week after suffering a head injury in a fall in a pub in Barry. ALSO SEE - Coronavirus in football: List of confirmed cases. But it is with Cardiff that the stylish left-footed playmaker will be forever most closely associated. [57], During the close season, more speculation about Whittingham's future in the Welsh capital arose, this time from Premier League club West Bromwich Albion. The ticket sales for that match at the Cardiff City Stadium raised money for the PW7 Foundation.[86]. [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. 2023 BBC. On November 30, there is a chance to pull all that together properly for a good cause and three charities. 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. Whittingham was born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire,[4] and attended King Henry VIII School, Coventry. [63], In July 2014, Whittingham signed a new three-year deal keeping him till in the Welsh capital until 2017. Whittingham, 35, suffered . Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan offered his own tribute to Whittingham. [18][22] Whittingham made his debut for Burnley in a 11 draw with Crewe Alexandra the following day. [23] Whittingham started all nine matches of his loan spell, seven in the league and two in the FA Cup,[19] before returning to Villa in late-March, despite Cotterill's hopes of extending the deal. 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. 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. He died at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, police said. Whittingham hung up his boots after a season at Blackburn Rovers in League One. Its still hard for us all; my mum and dad, Amanda, who is such a strong, brave woman, his children. 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. The pair settled on the outskirts of Cardiff, where Amanda was originally from. It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. 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. Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age.. The first is not well known. Something went wrong, please try again later. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. [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. New data released by Ipsos this morning has shown that around 55% of Britons expect the Tories to lose seats on Thursday, with 45% expecting Labour to pick up support. [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. CCTV captured Whittingham engaging in "horseplay" with his . In February, Whittingham was nominated for the Championship Player of the Year award. Former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham has died aged 35. "First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality," Cardiff's statement added. [28], Whittingham began the 200708 season on the bench. From the day we signed him, Peter was one of the most talented players in the Cardiff team. He didnt care so much about the salary or sitting on the bench on a bigger contract and collecting more money. Mr Taylor said Mr Whittingham's eyes were "wide open and were almost completely white" having rolled to the back of his head. Express. Hudson told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast: "It's devastating. The head injury he was suffered came as a result of a fall in a pub in Barry. It helped us all become better players and stronger people. When Mackay, the Cardiff manager at the time, reminded Whittingham of his importance in the team, he agreed to stay and help Cardiff fight for their own promotion a year later. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasnt moving and something was wrong.. His 50th league goal for Cardiff came on 22 November against Coventry City. The 35-year-old was . "The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. 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. Peter left behind his wife, Amanda, his son, William, and another little boy, Seb, who was born two months after his father's death. The unfairness of it all is incomprehensible. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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. It is with this in mind that a memorial match has been set up between Cardiff City and Aston Villa, his first professional club, at the Cardiff City Stadium on November 30. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Analysis and opinion from our chief football writer. The exact cause of Whittingham's death has not yet been confirmed, but he was being treated for a head injury. [84] The Foundation raised money for three causes; The Cardiff City FC Foundation, which aimed to support children in Cardiff through football, a sports bursary at King Henry VIII School in Coventry (Peter's old school) and Winston's Wish, a charity that supports children who have lost a parent or sibling. Breaking through at Villa was far from straightforward though. Obviously he had a great career, but you dont expect to have your life taken away so quickly.. "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. Look how many players from that group turned pro.. He made his 250th Cardiff appearance in a 22 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, in which he scored on 7 March. You talk about players you've played with - he's the first player I talk about, his quality. His performances were praised by manager Dave Jones. He became hooked and was keen to improve and bring his handicap down. [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. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videos. 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. He became a brilliant player. 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 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. [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. Peter Whittingham Cause Of Death. 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Whitts probably got the toughest treatment because he was one of the best, says Mikey Husbands, who played for Port Vale, before joining the Marines and now working for Network Rail. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. We will always be here for you. 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. 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.. 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. 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. (Photos: Getty Images; design: Sam Richardson). He also led Cardiff City to win the 2013 Championship. Coronavirus Stay At Home challenge: What is it and how do you play? [40] Whittingham earned the October Player of the Month award on 14 November 2009. "The thoughts . The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. The English Football League, The Football Association of England and the Football Association of Wales also issued messages of condolence. 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. In a statement read to the hearing, Williams said: I would say that we were all drunk by the night. 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. Over the course of the afternoon/evening he has consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted his demeanour and steadiness. Discovery Company. As he grew in confidence, so did his stature in the team. What Whittingham was really looking forward to, though, was family time and fatherhood. At that point, he was said to be unstable due to the influence of alcohol. He said: "I have been profoundly saddened by yesterday's terrible news. But alongside brother James, who is two years older than him, the pair started out in Coventrys youth system. The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. They are all in my thoughts at this time.". "Not only were you a great player and professional you were an amazing human, City loves you more than you know.". Peter Whittingham made over 450 appearances and scored 98 goals in 10 years at Cardiff City. First and foremost, Peter was a family man and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. Whittingham began his career at his boyhood club Aston Villa and had loan spells at Burnley and Derby before joining Cardiff in 2007. The coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death. He also played a key hand in helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2013 for the first time. It was one of those moments where we spoke about life and football. He brought quality and creativity to the team and raised levels in training. [26] He made his debut for Derby three days later in a 22 draw with Southampton, making a total of 11 appearances without scoring before returning to Villa in November 2005. 11:49 AM EDT, Fri March 20, 2020, Former Premier League footballer dead at 35. Whittinghams former club, Cardiff City, expressed heartbreak in a statement on its website. Whittingham had loans at Championship clubs Burnley and Derby County in 2005. Last updated on 20 March 202020 March 2020.From the section Cardiff. One wrote on Twitter: "Incredibly sad news. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. "There's very few that stay at a club for that period of time and give their all every single season as well. The difference was phenomenal. He made 16 appearances for Englands Under-21 team in that time, scoring three goals, while featuring in Villas Premier League side. [70], He made his Rovers debut on 6 August, playing the full 90 minutes as they began the season with a 21 loss at Southend United. Any talented youngster at Villa back then quickly found out that the better they were, the harder the staff were on them. 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. Graduate of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and retired Captain of the I was back home (in the Midlands) at the time from Durham University, so playing Newcastle was useful because we all stayed at mine!. Is climate change killing Australian wine? The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Nobody did it better.". The 35-year-old was . He suffered a traumatic head injury and died in hospital 11 days later after failing to regain consciousness. 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. Then, as a professional footballer as a Bluebird [Cardiff Citys nickname] he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. Instead, there were other plans. During Whittingham's 10 years with the club, the Bluebirds reached the 2008 FA Cup final, 2012 League Cup final and won promotion to the Premier League in 2013.