Eric Winston White was born in Leicester on the 26th October 1958, the former footballer made 529 football league appearances with thirteen different clubs over a seventeen year career. Having begun his career with his home town club Leicester City, firstly as part of the youth team he was then given his first professional contract under Jimmy Bloomfield.
Unfortunately, in the three season he spent at Filbert Street the club had three different managers, after Jimmy Bloomfield left the Foxes were relegated into the Second Division under Francis McLintock. The following season the club finished just three points above the Second Division relegation zone under manager Jock Stein and in the March of that season the winger joined Hereford United for £15,000.
White, spent five seasons at Edger Street where he went on to make 191 appearances, scoring 22 goals before he moved to Hong Kong Rangers to play in the Hong Kong First Division. He returned to the UK and had trials at Chesterfield, Port Vale and Stockport County before joining Bury Football Club in the Fourth Division under former Clarets midfielder Martin Dobson.
Having joined Colchester United on a free transfer in March 87, he made 78 appearances, scoring 8 goals for the club before leaving Layer Road in October 1988 to join Burnley signing for Brian Millers side for £17,500. He scored twice against Colchester in February 1989 hitting 6 goals in 39 games for the “Clarets” in the 1988-89 season. Frank Casper took charge the following season and White scored 6 goals in 40 games in the 1990-91 season, helping the Clarets to the play-offs, where they were beaten by Torquay United.
He then joined West Bromwich Albion for a £35,000 as the “Baggies” slipped out of the Second Division in 1990-91and missed out on the Third Division play-offs by one place and three points in 1991-92 under Bobby Gould. White, was released from his contract at The Hawthorns by new boss Osvaldo Ardiles in October 1992. He then returned to former club Bury, before brief spells at Doncaster Rovers, Carlisle United and Wigan Athletic before hanging up his boots.
After retiring from football, White co-owned a restaurant in Padiham as well as a successful mens retail shop called The Far Post. After gaining a bachelor’s degree in Business and also studying for an MBA he now works with a worldwide soccer agency and also runs a health and fitness consultancy business. Chadwick Media this week spoke with the former Clarets winger to discuss his career and answer some interview questions.
INTERVIEW
Who was your biggest influence in football and why?
The biggest influence on my football career would have to be Jimmy Bloomfield, he was my first manager at Leicester City and gave me my debut against Stoke City. He was a huge influence on my career as he had great belief in my ability.
What is your best football highlight?
Making my league debut in the old first division and having a really good game.
What is your football lowlight?
I had a knee injury whilst playing for Doncaster Rovers and after I recovered my knee never really felt right. I wanted to finish off the season and see if the knee felt any better so I went back to Bury, Carlisle United & Wigan Athletic on non contract terms during the rest of that season, but eventually it was that injury that cost me my career.
Tell us about your League Debut?
My football league debut was on the 19th March 1977 in the old First Division away at Stoke City the Victoria Ground. I was playing alongside some Leicester City legends in Frank Worthington and Alan Birchenall. I set up the winner with a mazy dribble & cross for teammate Frank Worthington to score we went on to win the game 0-1.
Best Goal You Scored and why?
I truly enjoyed every goal, however my home debut for West Bromwich Albion against my former club Leicester City when I scored in a relegation fight, was a really important goal as we went on to win and stay up. Added to that the feeling of redemption scoring against my former team with my family and friends watching me was relay satisfying.
Toughest Opponent and why?
The toughest opponent that I played against was Stuart Pearce (Nottingham Forest) I played against the England International a few times and he was a beast in the tackle, when he hit you, you stayed hit.
Who is the best manager you have played for and why?
Again, it was Jimmy Bloomfield, my first manager at Leicester City, he loved hard working ball players and that was my game.
Who was the best player you played with and why?
The best player I played with was Lee Dixon, for two seasons at Bury he was outstanding at right back behind me, we were both quick players and struck up a very good partnership. A former Claret like myself, he had just started his career when we played together at Gigg Lane. He of course went onto become an excellent full-back for both Arsenal and England but some how he never played for England in at a major international tournament (World Cup or Euros)
Did you ever consider going into coaching or management?
Not for a second, I couldn’t deal with the job insecurity.
I believe you are working back in the football industry, can you tell us about your current role?
I never really left football, I was a football agent for a few years and then transitioned to organising football tournaments, one of them called The Winston Cup Soccer Tournament in sunny Florida. I’m passionate about providing a showcase and a pathway for the young footballers, whether it’s through a sports scholarship or in the professional game.
Chadwick Media 