Alan Whitehead (footballer, born 1951)

Alan John Whitehead (born 3 September 1951) is an English former professional footballer who played in the Football League for Birmingham City.[2]

For other people named Alan Whitehead, see Alan Whitehead (disambiguation).

Alan Whitehead
Personal information
Full name Alan John Whitehead[1]
Date of birth (1951-09-03) 3 September 1951
Place of birth Birmingham, England
Position(s) Central defender
Youth career
1967–1969 Birmingham City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1969–1974 Birmingham City 4 (0)
1974–1976 KV Mechelen 13 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Whitehead was born in the Bordesley Green district of Birmingham. When he left school in 1967, he joined Birmingham City as an apprentice,[3] and turned professional two years later.[1] As a junior, he played on the wing, but became most comfortable in central defence.[3] He made his first-team debut in the Anglo-Italian Tournament in 1971, and played his part in Birmingham's promotion to the First Division in the 1971–72 season. Having made his Football League debut on 22 April 1972 in a 1–1 draw at home to Middlesbrough, he stood in for the injured Stan Harland in the last two games of that season, both away from home, both of which Birmingham needed to – and did – win.[4] He played only once in the top flight,[3] and joined KV Mechelen in 1974.[5]

Whitehead's brother Clive was also a professional footballer who had a long Football League career with clubs including Bristol City and West Bromwich Albion.[3]

References
  1. Hugman, Barry J. (2005). PFA Premier and Football League Players Records (1946-2005). Queen Anne Press. p. 653. ISBN 1-85291-665-6.
  2. "Birmingham City : 1947/48 – 2007/08". UK A–Z Transfers. Neil Brown. Retrieved 15 May 2009.
  3. Matthews, Tony (1995). Birmingham City: A Complete Record. Derby: Breedon Books. p. 133. ISBN 978-1-85983-010-9.
  4. Matthews, pp. 38, 207.
  5. "Alan Whitehead". Weltfussball. Retrieved 16 November 2009.


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