What a lovely article.
Perhaps when Whitts was at his best for City we took him for granted, far too much. We expected the unthinkable, too often. However, though expectations were high, he did not disappoint. There were so many goals of the highest order that many players would have been thankful to have scored just one of them in their careers. ‘Dick,’ my nickname for Whitts, collected gems of goals like pebbles from the sea-shore. Once scored, placed in his pocket, he just got on with the game.
Yes, a true gentleman off the pitch, as well as on it, his Corinthian character belonged to a bygone era when full measure was given and nothing was held back. His was a consummate game, played like a gentlemen amongst boys and old men who huffed and puffed and produced little.
Malky’s comments, heartfelt and genuine, were spoken by a man who appreciated his skill. The incident before the Carlin Cup Final said it all: “ … we turned to shake and say good luck to each other and I said, ‘Go show them just how good you actually are.’ He just had a little smile and a wink. A quiet confidence in that ability. I loved it.”
Though his legs started to go in his last couple of seasons he was still capable, even to the very end, of producing wonderful skill and score his trademark unbelievable goals. Looking back, he was a true legend, in an era when too many are given that accolade undeservedly. His was genuinely earned and warranted.
It has been said that we honour our parents by the way we live our lives. Peter Whittingham clearly honoured his; he was not a moments’ problem in his decade at Cardiff City.
RIP: ‘Dick’ … May your memory be a blessing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkasQybrWwo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqIN__uBXW8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MN8OqqEBss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HnwcK6ZHKo
StT. <><