Dane Whitehouse
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dane Whitehouse (born 14 October 1970 in Sheffield) is an English former footballer who played 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 scoring 50 goals.
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[edit] Early career
Whitehouse signed professionally for Sheffield United 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. Not only was Whitehouse now a regular starter, but he also added goals to his impressive wing play. He was on the score sheet in that season with a double against Chelsea in a 2-1 win, and he also chipped in with three FA Cup goals.
[edit] Cult Hero Status
Whitehouse will undoubtedly best remembered for his knack of scoring against local rivals Sheffield Wednesday. He scored in the 2-0 win against the Owls at Bramall Lane in the 1991/92 campaign, and 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.
[edit] Hit by Injury
After making great strides Whitehouse’s career was to suffer its first setback. He missed a large proportion of the 1992/93 season after he broke his leg in a game against Bristol City. 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 Semi-Final 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.
[edit] Relegation from the Premiership
Despite an opening day win over Swindon Town, United were again struggling to keep to keep their Premiership status intact. Whitehouse found the net early on when he scored in a 4-2 defeat to Everton. He also scored from the penalty spot in the defeat against Norwich City, and he was again deadly from 12 yards in the home victory over Oldham Athletic. His reputation of always scoring against Sheffield Wednesday continued to blossom, but his goal was not enough as the Blades lost 3-1. Whitehouse saved his best goal for the 3-2 home win over West Ham United. He smashed the ball into the top corner from nearly 30 yards for what was one of the goals of the season. His efforts were eventually in vain as United were relegated on the final game of the season, losing 3-2 away at Chelsea.
[edit] Back in the Second Tier
Whitehouse was again in good scoring form at the start of the 1994/95 season. He netted in the home defeat by Notts County and again in the 2-0 away win at Port Vale. He was to score twice more before the year ended, with home goals in the victories over Derby County and Southend United. 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.
[edit] Injury and Retirement
After a disappointing 1995/6 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. The Blades, in the absence of Whitehouse, went on to reach the play off final, but were defeated 1-0 by Crystal Palace. He presence was sorely missed, and many fans believed he could have added an extra dimension to United's play. Despite a courageous attempt to get back to fitness, which included a few outings for the reserves, Whitehouse was forced to call it a day. The tackle by Ainsworth has lived long in the memory of Blades fans, and he has been regularly booed on his numerous visits to Bramall Lane.
[edit] Legacy
Whitehouse, a United fan from birth, was a crowd favourite who regularly makes many fans all time Blades 11. After United were relegated from the Premiership he attracted the attention of many top-flight clubs but remained loyal to United. He is often seen at matches, and will be forever remembered as one of the clubs greatest ever players.
