Michael Whitham

Michael Whitham (6 November 1867 – 6 May 1924) was an English international footballer, who played as a right back. Born in Ecclesfield, Sheffield he played for both The Wednesday and Sheffield United where he spent seven years. Whitham gained one cap for England and went on to become a trainer at a number of clubs following his retirement from playing as well as a brief spell as manager of Gainsborough Trinity.

Michael Whitham
Michael Whitham in his United kit
Personal information
Full name Michael Whitham
Date of birth (1867-11-06)6 November 1867
Place of birth Ecclesfield, England
Date of death 6 May 1924(1924-05-06) (aged 56)[1]
Place of death London, England
Position(s) Right back
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1887–1890 Ecclesfield
1887–1888 The Wednesday
1889–1890 Rotherham Swifts
1890–1897 Sheffield United 123 (1)
National team
1892 England 1 (0)
Teams managed
1911–1912 Gainsborough Trinity
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Playing career

Whitham started his career in and around the Sheffield area where he played semi-professionally for a number of clubs (often registered with more than one club during the same period as was allowed at the time.)[2] After making one appearance for The Wednesday he turned fully professional and signed for Rotherham Swifts in 1889.[2] The club were soon in financial trouble however and Whitham and two other players, Rab Howell and Arthur Watson were sold to newly formed Sheffield United in March 1890.[2]

After his move to Bramall Lane Whitham was virtually ever present for the next six years, being a stalwart of the side as they were promoted into the First Division in 1892.[2]

International career

Whitham earned one cap for England in 1892, playing in a Home Championship game against Ireland in Belfast.[3]

Post playing career

After seven years and with his fitness failing Whitham left United and spent time as a trainer Rotherham Town and Gainsborough Trinity where he also spent one season as manager. Two years as trainer at Huddersfield Town followed before he moved to Brentford in the same position in 1914 where he stayed until his death in 1924.[2]

Personal life

Whilst with Brentford Whitham married his duties as a trainer with a job working for Wilkinson Sword as a grinder. He became massively overweight in later years and died in 1924 from resultant health problems.[2]

Honours

Sheffield United

References
  1. "Sporting Items". Nottingham Evening Post. 7 May 1924.
  2. Denis Clarebrough & Andrew Kirkham (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. pp. 344–345. ISBN 978-1-874718-69-7.
  3. Michael Whitham at Englandstats.com
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