Player Articles

Alan Whittle

Alan Whittle

Alan Whittle carved out a unique career that showcased both the glittering highs of silverware and the humbling lows of relegation battles. From his early days at Everton to the twilight of his playing career at Gravesend & Northfleet, Whittle’s story is one of talent that often shone brightly but sometimes flickered due to circumstances beyond his control. And yet, his contributions on the pitch were anything but forgettable.

 

PART ONE

Liverpool-born and Everton-bred, Alan Whittle was a product of the Goodison Park youth system, a crucible of footballing talent under manager Harry Catterick. Bursting into the first team during the late 1960s, he swiftly established himself as a forward who combined guile, pace, and an unerring eye for goal.

Whittle’s crowning achievement with Everton came in the memorable 1969-70 campaign when The Toffeemen clinched the Football League Championship in true style. Although he was competing for a starting spot with an array of talented forwards, Whittle’s contributions, including his 21 goals across 74 First Division appearances, were crucial in a season that saw Everton at their imperious best.

However, as is often the case in football, success comes with its own set of challenges. With fierce competition for places—particularly in the forward line—Whittle struggled to nail down a regular starting role. Consequently, despite his undeniable talent, he found his opportunities somewhat limited.

Midway through the 1972-73 season, Alan Whittle faced a major career crossroads. Seeking regular first-team football and eager to prove his worth, he eventually joined Bert Head´s Crystal Palace side for a transfer fee believed to be somewhere in the region of £100,000. Then, on the 16th of December 1972, the Liverpudlian marked his arrival at the club with an astonishing second-half goal in a commanding 5-0 triumph over fellow relegation candidates Manchester United in front of a boisterous crowd of almost 40,000 spectators at Selhurst Park, an unforgettable introduction that immediately endeared him to the Crystal Palace faithful.

This performance set the tone for his initial impact at the Croydon club, and he followed it up with a brace in a stunning 4-0 win against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on the 10th of February, 1973. Just a week later, he was on the scoresheet again in a narrow and hard-earned 3-2 victory against Stoke City at Selhurst Park, with fellow new-boys Derek Possee and Don Rogers also finding the back of the net.

Whittle´s goal scoring exploits highlighted his knack for delivering when it mattered most. Nevertheless, Crystal Palace’s struggles as a team meant that even his spirited displays couldn’t steer them clear of trouble, but.he still  became a fan favourite at Selhurst Park, with his energetic runs and instinctive finishing. Despite his best efforts, though, the South Londoners suffered relegation from the First Division at the end of the day, a blow that was compounded by a second relegation to the Third Division in subsequent seasons.

During his time at Palace, Whittle scored 19 goals in 108 league appearances. While his output may seem modest by today’s standards, the context of playing in a struggling side cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, his commitment to the cause never wavered—a testament to his character and professionalism.

 

PART TWO

At the beginning of the 1976-77 campaign, Alan Whittle moved to newly relegated Second Division side Sheffield United, marking another chapter in his career. While his time at Bramall Lane was relatively short-lived, it nonetheless offered him a fresh start after the challenges faced at Crystal Palace.

Subsequent moves saw Whittle don the colours of Leyton Orient and AFC Bournemouth. Though his time at these clubs didn’t quite reach the same heights as his earlier years, it reflected his enduring love for the sport. Whittle also had a brief stint abroad with Persepolis in Iran, an intriguing detour that showcased his willingness to embrace new challenges—a rarity among English players of the era.

Now a seasoned campaigner, he rounded off his active playing days with Preston Makedonia and Gravesend & Northfleet, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability that had defined his professional soccer career. In total, Whittle accumulated 46 goals in 241 first-class appearances for his various clubs, leaving behind a legacy that combined flair, perseverance, and an unshakable commitment to the round ball game.

Whittle’s career was a microcosm of football’s inherent unpredictability. On one hand, he was a title-winning forward with Everton, competing at the very pinnacle of English football. On the other, he endured the ignominy of multiple relegations, battling against the odds in the lower tiers.

For those who watched him, Whittle was more than just a player; he was a source of inspiration, a reminder that football is as much about effort and passion as it is about glory. His dazzling debut for Crystal Palace, his role in Everton’s title-winning campaign, and his unyielding spirit through adversity are memories that remain etched in the minds of fans who saw him play.

Whittle’s flair on the field may not have always brought him headlines, but his hair certainly did—blond, flowing, and ever-present, it was as much a part of his persona as his knack for scoring goals. Perhaps it’s ironic that while his hair caught the eye, his contributions to the beautiful game often flew under the radar. But then again, football has always had room for unsung heroes. And if Alan Whittle was anything, he was a hero for the fans who valued heart, talent, and an occasional touch of panache over headline-grabbing antics.