Dane Whitehouse
Encyclopedia
Dane Whitehouse is an English former footballer who played in the Football League
for Sheffield United
. Whitehouse was an accomplished left winger, who was equally comfortable filling in at left back. He served his only club, Sheffield United, for 13 years between 1987 and 2000, making 275 appearances and scoring 50 goals.
in July 1987 and was soon to make his first team debut against Blackpool
in 1988, aged just 18. He made a good early impression, but was in and out of the team for most of his early professional career. He played a part in the Blades promotion from the Old Division Three
in 1988, and again in the next season when United were promoted to the top flight. He began to establish himself as a regular during the 1991–92 season, when he became a regular fixture. His goals included a double against Chelsea
in a 2-1 win, and he also chipped in with three FA Cup
goals.
In the Steel City derby
of the 1991–92 campaign, Whitehouse scored against local rivals Sheffield Wednesday
in a 2-0 win at Bramall Lane
. In the return fixture at Hillsborough
, he was once again on target. Most fans of Sheffield United regard the 3-1 victory at Hillsborough as one of the greatest moments in Blades history, with Whitehouse becoming a cult hero scoring the first goal.
After a game against Bristol City
, Whitehouse broke his leg and missed a large proportion of the 1992–93 season. Despite the seriousness of the injury, he returned to play a part towards the end of the campaign. He starred in the closing stages of the Blades run to the FA Cup semi-final, making an appearance at Wembley Stadium in the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday
. He was also on the score sheet twice in the final game of the season, when United hammered Chelsea
4-2.
Despite an opening day win over Swindon Town
, United were again struggling to keep to keep their Premiership status intact. In a 3-2 home win over West Ham United
, Whitehouse smashed the ball into the top corner from nearly 30 yards for what was one of the goals of the season.
Despite scoring several goals for United, United were relegated on the final game of the season, losing 3-2 away at Chelsea
.
Whitehouse was again in good scoring form at the start of the 1994–95 season. He eventually finished with 10 goals in all competitions, which included a hat trick in the League Cup
against Stockport County
, but despite his goals the Blades failed to win promotion.
After a disappointing 1995–96 season United parted with long time manager Dave Bassett
. Howard Kendall
took charge and despite a clear out of players, Whitehouse was still a first team regular in the new regime. He finished with six goals in the 1995–96 season, which included a goal against Arsenal
at Highbury
in the FA Cup
. During the 1997–98 campaign, Whitehouse was a regular up to November. In a game against Port Vale
he was crudely tackled by Gareth Ainsworth
, and Whitehouse suffered a serious knee injury. Despite an attempt to get back to fitness, which included a few outings for the reserves, Whitehouse was forced to retire.
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
for Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
. Whitehouse was an accomplished left winger, who was equally comfortable filling in at left back. He served his only club, Sheffield United, for 13 years between 1987 and 2000, making 275 appearances and scoring 50 goals.
Club career
Whitehouse signed professionally for Sheffield UnitedSheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
in July 1987 and was soon to make his first team debut against Blackpool
Blackpool F.C.
Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
in 1988, aged just 18. He made a good early impression, but was in and out of the team for most of his early professional career. He played a part in the Blades promotion from the Old Division Three
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
in 1988, and again in the next season when United were promoted to the top flight. He began to establish himself as a regular during the 1991–92 season, when he became a regular fixture. His goals included a double against Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
in a 2-1 win, and he also chipped in with three FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
goals.
In the Steel City derby
Steel City derby
The Steel City Derby is a local derby that takes place between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, the two professional football league teams based in the city of Sheffield, England...
of the 1991–92 campaign, Whitehouse scored against local rivals Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday F.C.
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are a football club based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who are currently competing in the Football League One in the 2011-12 season, in England. Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest professional clubs in the world and the fourth oldest in the...
in a 2-0 win at Bramall Lane
Bramall Lane
-Cricket at the Lane:Bramall Lane opened as a cricket ground in 1855, having been leased by Michael Ellison from the Duke of Norfolk at an annual rent of £70. The site was then away from the town's industrial area, and relatively free from smoke. It was built to host the matches of local cricket...
. In the return fixture at Hillsborough
Hillsborough Stadium
Hillsborough Stadium is the home of Sheffield Wednesday football club, Sheffield, England. Football has been played at the ground since it was opened on 2 September 1899, when Wednesday moved from their original ground at Olive Grove. Today it is a 39,812 capacity all-seater stadium, making it the...
, he was once again on target. Most fans of Sheffield United regard the 3-1 victory at Hillsborough as one of the greatest moments in Blades history, with Whitehouse becoming a cult hero scoring the first goal.
After a game against Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
, Whitehouse broke his leg and missed a large proportion of the 1992–93 season. Despite the seriousness of the injury, he returned to play a part towards the end of the campaign. He starred in the closing stages of the Blades run to the FA Cup semi-final, making an appearance at Wembley Stadium in the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday F.C.
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are a football club based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who are currently competing in the Football League One in the 2011-12 season, in England. Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest professional clubs in the world and the fourth oldest in the...
. He was also on the score sheet twice in the final game of the season, when United hammered Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
4-2.
Despite an opening day win over Swindon Town
Swindon Town F.C.
Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011...
, United were again struggling to keep to keep their Premiership status intact. In a 3-2 home win over West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
, Whitehouse smashed the ball into the top corner from nearly 30 yards for what was one of the goals of the season.
Despite scoring several goals for United, United were relegated on the final game of the season, losing 3-2 away at Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
.
Whitehouse was again in good scoring form at the start of the 1994–95 season. He eventually finished with 10 goals in all competitions, which included a hat trick in the League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
against Stockport County
Stockport County F.C.
Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
, but despite his goals the Blades failed to win promotion.
After a disappointing 1995–96 season United parted with long time manager Dave Bassett
Dave Bassett
David Bassett , also frequently known by his nickname of Harry, is an English football manager and a former player....
. Howard Kendall
Howard Kendall
Howard Kendall is an English football manager and former player. He is most famous for his connection to Everton, a club that he both played for and managed. His uncle Harry Taylor played for Newcastle United and Fulham in the 1950s....
took charge and despite a clear out of players, Whitehouse was still a first team regular in the new regime. He finished with six goals in the 1995–96 season, which included a goal against Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
at Highbury
Arsenal Stadium
Arsenal Stadium was a football stadium in Highbury, North London, which was the home ground of Arsenal Football Club between 6 September 1913 and 7 May 2006...
in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
. During the 1997–98 campaign, Whitehouse was a regular up to November. In a game against Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
he was crudely tackled by Gareth Ainsworth
Gareth Ainsworth
Gareth Ainsworth is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for League One side Wycombe Wanderers, he is also the club captain....
, and Whitehouse suffered a serious knee injury. Despite an attempt to get back to fitness, which included a few outings for the reserves, Whitehouse was forced to retire.