David White

Personalia: Born: 30/10 1967 Birthplace: Urmstone Nationality: England (A:1/0, B:6/0) Height: 6`1" (185cm) Weight: 12st. 7lb (79kg) Position: Right Winger/Forward Playing Record:     League FAC LC Season: Club: App Gls App Gls App Gls: 1985-1986 Manchester City 0 0 0 0 0 0 1986-1987 Manchester City 24 1         1987-1988 Manchester City 44 13         1988-1989 Manchester City 45 6         1989-1990 Manchester City 37 8         1990-1991 Manchester City 38 16         1991-1992 Manchester City 39 18         1992-1993 Manchester City 42 16         1993-1994 Manchester City 16 1 (22) (4) (26) 11 1993-1995 Leeds United 42 9 6 1 1 0 1995 Sheffield United (loan) 8 1 0 0 0 0 1995-1999 Sheffield United 58 12 4 0 4 1 Total: 394 101 32 5 31 12

David White was part of the famous 1986 generation, and a proud member of the "Fabolous Five" (Lake, White, Redmond, Brightwell and Hinchecliffe who all won the F.A. youth Cup in 1985 and became first-team players shortly after). During his 8 years as a City player he tormented the opposing defenses and together with Niall Quinn formed a lethal attacking power for the Blues.

One of his most memorable moments came against Huddersfield in November 1987. Tony Adcock, Paul Stewart and David White scored a trio of hat-tricks as the Blues won 10-1. In September 1989 came another moment to remember, as Manchester United was beaten 5-1 (record win against the rags at Maine Road). Although White did not score in that game, he was outstanding and together with Paul Lake and Ian Bishop ran havoc with their neighbours. Third but not least; Whites four goals against Asti\on Villa in April 1991 marked the peak of the players performances. This was the first time a City-player had netted four goals in an away game since the 2nd World War. It is quite remarkable that he never won the player of the year award.

Whites only international recognition came towards the end of a long and successful spell at Maine Road when he was capped by England for a game against Spain in 1993. Sadly White did not score in that game, despite having a hatful of oppurtunities. And when he returned to England it was only to find that the newspapers blamed him for the defeat. It should take 11 years before another City player was called up to the England squad, when Shaun Wright-Phillips made his goalscoring debut for England against Ukraine.

1993 was the watershed season whith the Swales out - Franny in campaign going on at Maine Road. When Brian Horton was installed as Manager in September, Whites form had dropped since the Spain-incident and he was nowhere near the player he used to be. On December 22nd 1993, only months after making his England debut, he was transferred to Leeds in a £2m swap deal including David Rocastle.

The general idea was for White to try to provide the width and pace on the right side of the pitch for Leeds that was clearly missing. However White suffered from the vagaries of Howard Wilkinson's selection policy at the time, being left in the side when he clearly was out of form and then being dropped as soon as he put two decent games together. The fans never really took to him, but there was a sense of regret at potential unrealised when he was sold to Sheffield United for £500k at the end of 1995.

White was a powerful force for City during their best campaigns since the mid 1970ies (5th place twice). Strong, athletic and a extremely fast runner, even by Premiership standards. He scored 94 goals in 334 league and cup-games for the Blues and is rated as one of the top goalscorers in the clubs history. He was also the prime provider of crosses for Niall Quinn who scored his majority of goals while White was still at the club.

Provided by: Svenn A. Hanssen, svenn@hanssen.priv.no