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.

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.) After making one appearance for The Wednesday he turned fully professional and signed for Rotherham Swifts in 1889.

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.

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.

Honours Sheffield United Football League Division Two Runner-up: 1892–93