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Billy Whitehurst
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
William Whitehurst (born 10 June 1959[3]) is an English retired professional footballer active during the 1980s and 1990s. Whitehurst's aggressive, intimidating, violent style of play attracted much notoriety in his journeyman career.[4]
Key Information
Career
[edit]Whitehurst was born in Thurnscoe, West Riding of Yorkshire and started his career playing for a number of semi-professional teams in South Yorkshire, Retford Town, Bridlington Trinity and Mexborough Town, whilst also working for the local council as a bricklayer.[4] He eventually made the move into the professional ranks with Hull City in 1980 signing for a £2,000 fee.[4] He initially struggled with the demands of the professional game but eventually sealed his place as one of the most popular players to have ever played for the club.[4] He helped the Tigers win promotion in 1982–83 and 1984–85 with Whitehurst scoring a career best of 24 goals.
His upturn in form had not gone un-noticed and he joined Newcastle United in 1985 as their then record signing for £232,000. Despite playing in a side containing Peter Beardsley and Paul Gascoigne, the move did not work out and Whitehurst failed to score in his first 11 appearances for the club. A spat with his own supporters signalled the end of his career on Tyneside and after playing only 28 league games he was transferred to Oxford United in 1986. However the move there was similarly short-lived, and Whitehurst left after a clash with assistant manager Ray Graydon.
He then joined Reading in February 1988 scoring eight goals in 19 matches for the Royals he left for Sunderland scoring three in 18 matches before making a return to Hull City. Whitehurst spent a year and a half back at Boothferry Park before joining Sheffield United. Whitehurst helped the Blades gain promotion in 1989–90 and spent a short time out on loan at Stoke City in 1990–91 where he played in five matches.[1] Whitehurst ended his professional career at Doncaster Rovers during which time he also played on loan for Crewe Alexandra.
Whitehurst ended his playing days abroad, playing in Northern Ireland, Australia and in Hong Kong with South China (1992–93) before a long-standing knee injury caused his retirement in 1993.
Personal life and post-retirement
[edit]| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Bar room brawls. Billy Whitehurst's solicitor, Steve Smith describes a Whitehurst rent a witness case |
He supported Manchester United as a child and George Best was his favorite player. He said that Keith Mincher and Chris Chilton had the greatest influences on his career and said that Keith made him believe in himself while Chris had taught him positions to take up in the box. He was a bricklayer before turning pro. He cited a 1984 game between Hull and Burnley as his biggest disappointment as the team needed 3 goals to get promoted to the next division, but only scored two goals. His hobbies include gardening, reading and greyhound racing. He cited Spitting Image and Taxi as his favorite shows and Bruce Springsteen and Nat King Cole as his favorite musicians.[5]
He is married with two children.[5]
Since leaving the game Whitehurst has trained greyhounds, ran several public houses in his native South Yorkshire and worked in the building trade and in the stores at BP Saltend and Drax Power Station. In 2008, he was found guilty of benefit fraud and given a suspended prison sentence.[6]
Career statistics
[edit]| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other[a] | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Hull City | 1980–81 | Third Division | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 1 |
| 1981–82 | Fourth Division | 36 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 46 | 9 | |
| 1982–83 | Fourth Division | 36 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 43 | 5 | |
| 1983–84 | Third Division | 37 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 46 | 11 | |
| 1984–85 | Third Division | 40 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 46 | 24 | |
| 1985–86 | Second Division | 18 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 25 | 12 | |
| Total | 193 | 47 | 11 | 3 | 12 | 6 | 16 | 6 | 232 | 62 | ||
| Newcastle United | 1985–86 | First Division | 20 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 7 |
| 1986–87 | First Division | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | |
| Total | 28 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 7 | ||
| Oxford United | 1986–87 | First Division | 20 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 22 | 4 |
| 1987–88 | First Division | 20 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 2 | |
| Total | 40 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 49 | 6 | ||
| Reading | 1987–88 | Second Division | 15 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 6 |
| 1988–89 | Third Division | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | |
| Total | 17 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 8 | ||
| Sunderland | 1988–89 | Second Division | 17 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 3 |
| Hull City | 1988–89 | Second Division | 21 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 7 |
| 1989–90 | Second Division | 15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 | |
| Total | 36 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 7 | ||
| Sheffield United | 1989–90 | Second Division | 14 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 2 |
| 1990–91 | First Division | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | |
| Total | 22 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 23 | 2 | ||
| Stoke City (loan) | 1990–91 | Third Division | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Doncaster Rovers | 1990–91 | Fourth Division | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 |
| 1991–92 | Fourth Division | 9 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 3 | |
| Total | 22 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 4 | ||
| Crewe Alexandra | 1991–92 | Fourth Division | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| Career total | 388 | 77 | 22 | 6 | 23 | 8 | 21 | 8 | 454 | 99 | ||
Honours
[edit]- Hull City
- Football League Fourth Division runner-up: 1982–83
- Football League Third Division third-place promotion: 1984–85
- Sheffield United
- Football League Second Division runner-up: 1989–90
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Lowe, Simon (2000). Stoke City The Modern Era – A Complete Record. Desert Island Books. ISBN 1-874287-39-2.[page needed]
- ^ Dunk, Peter, ed. (1987). Rothmans Football Yearbook 1987–88. London: Queen Anne Press. p. 306. ISBN 978-0-356-14354-5.
- ^ Peterson, Mike (2005). A Century of City. Harefield: Yore Publications. p. 156. ISBN 0-9547830-7-7.
- ^ a b c d "The Harder They Come: Big Billy Whitehurst". The Daisy Cutter. 17 January 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
- ^ a b Shoot Magazine, Focus on Billy Whitehurst, publisher: Shoot Magazine, published: 1980's
- ^ "Footballer on a pounds 12k fraud rap". The Mirror. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
- ^ Billy Whitehurst at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)
External links
[edit]Billy Whitehurst
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Upbringing in Thurnscoe
Billy Whitehurst was born on 10 June 1959 in Thurnscoe, a small mining village in the West Riding of Yorkshire (now South Yorkshire), England.[5] Growing up in this working-class community shaped by the coal industry, Whitehurst experienced a modest, labor-oriented environment typical of post-war South Yorkshire villages.[3] He lived primarily with his mother, who instilled in him a passion for football through shared viewings of Match of the Day on Saturday evenings; she was a devoted supporter of Manchester United, particularly influenced by the Busby Babes era.[5] As a youth, Whitehurst himself became a fan of Manchester United, influenced by his mother's support for the club. The local mining culture and community ties in Thurnscoe provided a rugged backdrop, fostering resilience amid economic challenges faced by many families in the Dearne Valley area.[5] Before pursuing football professionally, Whitehurst worked as a bricklayer in South Yorkshire, embodying the manual labor traditions of his upbringing; he laid his final bricks on a Tuesday in 1980, just days before signing with Hull City at age 21 and making his debut shortly thereafter.[3][5] This pre-professional phase grounded him in the realities of working-class life, delaying his entry into organized amateur football until his early twenties.Amateur football beginnings
Whitehurst began his senior football career with Retford Town in the late 1970s, entering organized semi-professional play at the age of 18.[6] He spent the 1977–78 season at the club, where he gained initial experience as a forward while balancing football with manual labor.[3] In 1978, Whitehurst moved to Bridlington Trinity, remaining there through the 1979–80 season and further developing his physical presence and positioning on the pitch.[3] His brief 1980 spell at Mexborough Town followed, during which his performances as a robust striker attracted attention from professional scouts.[3] Through these non-league experiences, Whitehurst built a foundation in goal-scoring and aerial ability, transitioning from amateur ranks with a reputation for tenacity.[3]Professional career
Hull City first spell
Billy Whitehurst turned professional with Hull City in 1980, signing from non-league club Mexborough Town for a modest fee of £2,000 after brief stints including at Bridlington Trinity. Previously working in manual labor, the 21-year-old forward adapted to the rigors of full-time football under manager Mike Smith, who sought to bolster the attack with non-league talent. Whitehurst made his professional debut in the 1980–81 season, marking the start of a transformative period for both him and the club.[3][7] Over the next five years, from 1980 to 1985, Whitehurst established himself as a reliable presence in Hull City's lineup, appearing in 193 league matches and netting 47 goals. His scoring output grew steadily, reflecting his growing confidence and adaptation to the professional level; notable examples include braces in key fixtures that helped secure vital points in lower-division battles. These contributions underscored his emergence as a goal threat, particularly in tight contests where his finishing proved decisive.[8][4] Whitehurst's impact was most evident in Hull City's back-to-back promotions: from the Fourth Division to the Third in 1982–83, and from the Third to the Second in 1984–85. In the 1982–83 campaign, his bustling runs and hold-up play were integral to the team's push for automatic promotion, culminating in a strong finish that elevated the Tigers. The following season's success to the Second Division highlighted his peak form, with consistent goal involvements aiding a squad that thrived on collective resilience under pressure.[9][10] As a physical centre-forward standing at 6 feet tall, Whitehurst embodied a no-nonsense style that intimidated opponents and complemented Hull City's direct approach. His aggressive tackling and aerial prowess disrupted defenses, fostering team dynamics where midfielders could exploit spaces he created through relentless pressing. This hard-edged presence not only boosted morale but also aligned with the era's tough lower-league ethos, making him a fan favorite at Boothferry Park.[2][7]Newcastle United and Oxford United
In December 1985, Whitehurst transferred to Newcastle United from Hull City for a club-record fee of £232,000, marking a significant step up to the First Division.[11][2] During the 1985–86 season, he made 31 appearances across all competitions and scored 7 goals, often partnering with emerging talents like Paul Gascoigne in a side that finished 11th in the league.[12][13] His physical style, honed during his time at Hull, provided a target-man presence but highlighted challenges in adapting to the quicker tempo of top-flight football, where he initially struggled to score in his first 11 games.[7] Despite these contributions, Whitehurst's stint at Newcastle was considered underwhelming relative to the high expectations from the record transfer, leading to his departure after just one season.[11] In October 1986, he moved to fellow First Division club Oxford United for an undisclosed fee, seeking a fresh start in a team that had recently won the League Cup.[7] Over the subsequent two seasons (1986–87 and 1987–88), Whitehurst featured in 40 league appearances and netted 4 goals, contributing to Oxford's efforts before their relegation in 1988.[14] Whitehurst's time at both clubs underscored the difficulties of transitioning from lower divisions to the intensity of Division 1, where his robust approach was valuable for holding up play but less effective against faster, more technical defenses.[13] Interactions with high-profile teammates like Gascoigne at Newcastle offered glimpses of potential synergy, yet limited goal output and team inconsistencies curtailed greater impact during this ambitious phase of his career. He subsequently had brief spells at Reading (19 appearances, 8 goals) and Sunderland (18 appearances, 3 goals) in 1988.[2][7]Return to Hull City and later clubs
Whitehurst rejoined Hull City in December 1988 as part of a swap deal that saw defender Tony Norman move to Sunderland.[7] During his second stint at Boothferry Park from 1988 to 1990, he scored on his debut against Ipswich Town and formed an effective striking partnership with Graeme Hutchinson, contributing 5 goals across 36 league appearances as the club competed in the Second Division.[14] In February 1990, Whitehurst transferred to Sheffield United for a fee reported around £100,000, arriving mid-season to bolster the squad during their promotion push.[15] He played a supporting role in the 1989–90 campaign, helping the Blades secure automatic promotion to the First Division by finishing second, before making 22 appearances and scoring twice in the top flight during the 1990–91 season.[16] Later that season, he spent a brief loan spell at Stoke City, appearing in three matches for the Second Division side.[2] Whitehurst signed for Doncaster Rovers in 1991, where he featured in 22 games and netted once during the 1991–92 season in the Fourth Division.[14] He also had a short loan at Crewe Alexandra that year, making 10 appearances for the Third Division club.[14] Seeking opportunities abroad toward the end of his career, Whitehurst had brief spells with Hungarian side St George Budapest in 1992, Hong Kong's South China in 1993, and Northern Irish club Glentoran, where he joined in January 1993 and scored a hat-trick against Ballyclare Comrades shortly after arriving.[2][7] A persistent knee injury forced his retirement later that year at age 34.[17]Reputation and style
Hard-man persona
Billy Whitehurst cultivated a notorious reputation as one of English football's most intimidating figures during the 1980s and 1990s, frequently labeled the "hardest man in football" by contemporaries including Vinnie Jones.[2][18] This moniker stemmed from his unyielding physicality and willingness to confront anyone, as recalled by former Newcastle United teammate John Anderson, who described Whitehurst as a player who "would fight anybody and run through anybody" during his brief but impactful spell at the club in 1985–86.[19] His hard-man image extended beyond the pitch, influencing how opponents and even teammates approached interactions with him. At 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) tall, Whitehurst possessed the build of a classic target man striker, leveraging his height and strength for aggressive tackling that often left centre-backs reeling.[20] He was particularly renowned for his header prowess, using his physical dominance to challenge fiercely for aerial balls, as noted by Neil "Razor" Ruddock, who admitted Whitehurst would "want to tear your head off" if an opponent outjumped him.[18] This combative style—marked by elbows, robust challenges, and an intimidating growl—cemented his role as a fearsome forward who prioritized physical assertion over finesse. Media coverage frequently portrayed Whitehurst as a "maniac" and "malicious" enforcer, drawing parallels to Vinnie Jones for their shared aura of unrelenting toughness, though Jones himself elevated Whitehurst above all others in hardness during joint speaking tours.[2][21] Players like Martin Keown and Jamie Redknapp later reflected on his unique terror factor, with accounts emphasizing how his aggressive demeanor disrupted games and instilled fear in the dressing room.[2] Whitehurst's off-field toughness further bolstered this persona, rooted in a background of illegal bare-knuckle fighting; he participated in at least two such bouts against members of the travelling community, each for £1,000, once sustaining severe facial injuries that he concealed by fabricating a car accident story to continue playing.[18][2] These experiences, drawn from his early life in the mining communities of South Yorkshire, underscored the raw, street-hardened edge that defined his footballing identity.Notable on-field incidents
One of the most notorious confrontations in Billy Whitehurst's career occurred during a half-time interval in a match where he was not playing, when he stormed onto the pitch to challenge Tottenham Hotspur defender Neil Ruddock for roughing up a teammate. Ruddock later recalled the incident, stating that Whitehurst approached him aggressively and ripped his shirt off, prompting Ruddock to back down immediately due to Whitehurst's intimidating presence, though no physical blows were exchanged and no red cards were issued. This event, which took place around 1990 during Whitehurst's time at Sheffield United, underscored his reputation for intervening in disputes to protect colleagues.[22] Another key clash involved a verbal exchange during a match against West Ham United, where Sheffield United teammate Vinnie Jones taunted Ruddock by shouting, "Why don't you call him a fat b****** now, Razor?" in reference to Whitehurst, escalating tensions but resulting in Ruddock retreating without further incident. Although Whitehurst and Jones were teammates at Sheffield United from 1990 to 1991, this moment highlighted the combative atmosphere Whitehurst fostered on the field, even indirectly, during games against rivals. No disciplinary action followed, but it exemplified the psychological warfare Whitehurst employed.[2] A particularly gruesome on-field incident happened during a match against Nottingham Forest, when goalkeeper Steve Sutton accidentally struck Whitehurst in the face while punching the ball during a challenge for a header, splitting his nose and cheek open approximately 10 minutes before halftime. Whitehurst received staples to close the wound on his own face and returned for the second half, continuing to play despite the injury, demonstrating his resilience amid the era's physical play. This event did not involve retaliating against the opponent by stapling them but rather Whitehurst's determination to stay in the game.[13] Throughout his career spanning over 450 appearances from 1980 to 1993, Whitehurst accumulated multiple suspensions that reflected his aggressive style and frequent involvement in heated exchanges. These disciplinary measures, primarily in the lower divisions and brief Premier League stints, included bans for violent conduct, though he often avoided bookings in overtly physical challenges due to referees' reluctance to penalize him further. His hard-man image meant opponents anticipated confrontations, contributing to the overall tally without exhaustive per-club breakdowns.Personal life
Family and relationships
Whitehurst has been married to Julie since the early 1980s.[5] As of 2015, the couple had been together for 34 years and resided in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, where they continued to live following his retirement from football.[5] He is the father of two children, though details about them remain private with no public mentions of their involvement in his career.[5] His family provided occasional support during his playing days, including his mother attending one of his games against Manchester United.[5] No further updates on his marital or family status have been reported since 2015.[5]Post-retirement
Employment and business
Following his retirement from professional football, Billy Whitehurst returned to the building trade, drawing on his pre-career experience as a bricklayer. He worked at the BP Saltend chemical plant near Hull and later at Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire. Whitehurst also entered the hospitality sector, running several public houses in South Yorkshire, including one in Ackworth near Pontefract. Additionally, he established a business training greyhounds, managing the animals for racing and breeding purposes.Legal issues
In 2005, former professional footballer Billy Whitehurst was charged with benefit fraud after allegedly failing to declare income from a personal pension while claiming approximately £12,000 in incapacity benefit for an ankle injury sustained during his playing career, covering the period from January 2001 to June 2004.[23] The investigation by fraud officers was prompted by an anonymous tip-off the previous year, and Whitehurst, who was running a pub in Sheffield at the time, was scheduled to appear before Barnsley magistrates' court on March 24, 2005.[23] Whitehurst was subsequently convicted of the benefit fraud offence later that year.[24] The case garnered media coverage, with outlets highlighting his past reputation as a notoriously tough and aggressive player during his time at clubs like Hull City, Newcastle United, and Sheffield United, framing the incident as an unexpected post-retirement controversy for the journeyman striker.[23][24] The conviction had a notable financial impact on Whitehurst's life, as he was required to repay the full amount of the overclaimed benefits, compounding challenges from his retirement due to injury and transition to civilian employment. No further legal proceedings or public statements from Whitehurst regarding the matter have been widely reported.Career statistics
Domestic leagues
Billy Whitehurst amassed 388 appearances and 77 goals in domestic league competitions throughout his professional career in English football, primarily in the second and lower divisions, with brief stints in the top flight.[14] Note that minor discrepancies may exist across sources due to variations in recording substitute appearances or loan periods; these figures are corroborated from sporting-heroes.net and other reports. Detailed per-season breakdowns vary, but club totals are as follows:| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Hull City (two spells) | 229 | 52 |
| Newcastle United | 28 | 7 |
| Oxford United | 40 | 4 |
| Reading | 17 | 8 |
| Sunderland | 17 | 3 |
| Sheffield United | 22 | 2 |
| Doncaster Rovers | 22 | 1 |
| Stoke City (loan) | 3 | 0 |
| Crewe Alexandra (loan) | 10 | 0 |
| Total | 388 | 77 |
Cup competitions
Whitehurst's involvement in domestic cup competitions spanned multiple clubs and formats, including the FA Cup, League Cup, Full Members' Cup, Simod Cup, and Zenith Data Systems Cup, where he accumulated 23 appearances and 8 goals overall.[25] His cup record highlighted his physical presence and finishing ability, particularly in knockout scenarios, though he rarely featured extensively in later career stages. A standout performance came during his first stint at Hull City in the 1985–86 Full Members' Cup, where Whitehurst scored 3 goals in 3 appearances, helping the team advance through the Northern Section group stage and semifinals to the area final against Manchester City (lost 3–2 on aggregate).[25] Returning to Hull in 1988, he contributed 2 goals in 3 FA Cup ties during the 1988–89 campaign, powering the Tigers to the fifth round with victories over Cardiff City (2–1) and Bradford City (1–0) before a 3–2 loss to Liverpool; his goals came in the third and fourth rounds.[25][26] At Oxford United, Whitehurst scored both of his goals for the club in cup play during the 1986–87 Full Members' Cup (2 goals in 1 appearance), aiding an early progression in the competition.[25] He also netted once in the 1985–86 League Cup for Hull City and featured in quarterfinal runs with Oxford in the 1987–88 League Cup (5 appearances, no goals).[25] Limited outings at other clubs included a single goal-less appearance in the Zenith Data Systems Cup for Sheffield United in 1990–91.[25]| Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hull City | FA Cup | 4 | 2 |
| Hull City | League Cup | 2 | 1 |
| Hull City | Full Members' Cup | 3 | 3 |
| Newcastle United | FA Cup | 1 | 0 |
| Newcastle United | League Cup | 2 | 0 |
| Oxford United | FA Cup | 2 | 0 |
| Oxford United | League Cup | 5 | 0 |
| Oxford United | Full Members' Cup | 1 | 2 |
| Oxford United | Simod Cup | 1 | 0 |
| Sunderland | Simod Cup | 1 | 0 |
| Sheffield United | Zenith Data Systems Cup | 1 | 0 |
| Total | All Domestic Cups | 23 | 8 |