Aidan White (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Aidan 'Aidy' Peter White (born 10 October 1991) is an English-born Irish footballer who plays for Leeds United
. He made his debut for the club aged 16. Renowned for his pace, he is comfortable at left back or left wing.
In August 2011, White changed international sides to play for Republic of Ireland U21's after previously representing England under-19
's at international duty.
, West Yorkshire
, White started his career at Leeds United
in The Championship
of the English
Football League
, joining the youth system
in 2002. Before this he attended the Brazilian Soccer Schools scheme for a number of years. He made his debut for the Leeds first team at the age of 16 in a League Cup
game against Crystal Palace
on 26 August 2008, being given a standing ovation from Leeds fans when he was replaced by substitute Bradley Johnson
. He started again in the first round of the Football League Trophy
against Bradford City
, earning more praise from his manager Gary McAllister
.
White made his league debut in the 2–0 win over Carlisle United
on 20 September 2008. White put in a string of impressive performances and was helped out by experienced defender Paul Telfer
who was more than twice White's age. White and Leeds suffered a defeat to Peterborough where White had a disappointing game and was subsequently taken out of the first team picture. He signed a professional
contract with Leeds in December, which contracted him at the club until June 2012.
White was highlighted as one of 20 future England stars with fellow Leeds teammate Fabian Delph
in an article in The Guardian
in November. Injury problems led to White missing much of the later part of the season as Leeds reached the playoffs.
season. But his injury problems resurfaced after suffering a knee injury after preseason. White made his first start and appearance of the season in the Trophy game against Darlington
.
White came on as a late substitute in the FA Cup
game against Oldham Athletic
, and managed to assist a goal for Mike Grella
despite only coming on as an injury time substitute. Two weeks later he made his first league appearance under manager Simon Grayson
when he replaced Andy Hughes
as a sub against Leyton Orient.
White started for Leeds in the FA Cup replay against Kettering Town
but had to be replaced in the second half through injury, with Tony Capaldi
coming on as his replacement. White came on as a late substitute for Luciano Becchio
against Manchester United
when Leeds won 1–0 away at Old Trafford
on 3 January 2010 in the FA Cup. White came on as a substitute for Leeds when they earned a 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on 23 January 2010. White also made an appearance as a second half substitute for Leeds in the replay against Spurs, Leeds ended up losing the game 3–1. White made his first league start of the season in Leeds' fixture at Elland Road against Oldham Athletic where White impressed but suffered from cramp due to nervous energy and had to be substituted in the second half. After missing the match against Huddersfield Town White returned to the starting lineup against Brentford, this time playing left back replacing Shane Lowry
in the side. White was part of the Leeds squad which gained promotion to The Championship, after finishing runner-up in League 1. White ended the season winning Leeds Uniteds Young Player Of The Year Award.
. White made his first start of the season in the match against Doncaster Rovers coming into the side for Fede Bessone. White picked up a back injury soon after which ruled him out for a month.
Manager Simon Grayson
revealed in his pre match press conference against Sheffield United that he was looking to send Aidy White out on loan, so that he could get some more first team experience and also help improve his match fitness. He also said that long term he see's White as a left winger rather than a left back.
is manager. White scored his first goal in senior football on his debut for Oldham against Dagenham & Redbridge. He scored in his second consecutive game when he scored a memorable goal with a fine individual effort against Exeter City. Whites loan spell was disrupted by five fixture postponements due to adverse weather conditions. He rejoined Oldham on loan on 27 January 2011 until the end of the season. He scored in his first game back at Oldham against Carlisle United. He scored in his second consecutive game against Hartlepool United. White finished his loan spell having played 24 matches and scoring four goals.
playing at left back. White was sent off against Ipswich Town
after fouling Ipswich winger Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
. Leeds appealed the decision against the red card for White, but failed in the appeal and missed the game against Crystal Palace
.
After suspension, White returned for the following match against Bristol City replacing Charlie Taylor
and was awarded the Man of the Match award for his excellent performance.
In September 2011, after the 3-0 loss against Manchester United
, White revealed he was now over the persistent cramp he used to suffer in games due to 'nervous anxiety' prior to his spell at Oldham, White has since become Leeds' first choice left back. White was part of the Leeds defence that got their first clean sheet of the season against Portsmouth
on 1 October.
White was linked with a move to Derby County
in October, however he revealed he wanted to stay at Leeds long term after cementing his place in the Leeds side.
debut in March 2009, when he came on as a 73rd minute substitute against the Czech Republic at Walsall
's Bescot Stadium
in a 0–0 draw.
White decided to change his International allegiance, and declared himself for the Republic of Ireland U21 and was called up to the U21 squad to play Austria on 10 August 2011. White made his debut for Republic of Ireland U21 starting the match against Austria, Ireland won the game 2–1 with White providing an assist for Robbie Brady
. White was again called up to the Ireland Under 21 squad for friendlies against Hungary and Turkey. He kept his place in the squad for the Under 21's game against Lichtenstein and managed to score his first goal for Ireland in a 2-0 victory.
Ireland under 21 manager Noel King
said that White had been a revelation for Ireland Under 21's and that he expected White to break into the full senior squad.
League One
Leeds United
Player of the Year Awards – Young Player of the Year: (1)
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
. He made his debut for the club aged 16. Renowned for his pace, he is comfortable at left back or left wing.
In August 2011, White changed international sides to play for Republic of Ireland U21's after previously representing England under-19
England national under-19 football team
-Other matches:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the friendly match against Denmark.- Recent call-ups :The following players have also been called up to the England under-19 squad and remain eligible.-Past squads:...
's at international duty.
2008–09 season
Born in LeedsLeeds
Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. In 2001 Leeds' main urban subdivision had a population of 443,247, while the entire city has a population of 798,800 , making it the 30th-most populous city in the European Union.Leeds is the cultural, financial and commercial...
, West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire is a metropolitan county within the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England with a population of 2.2 million. West Yorkshire came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972....
, White started his career at Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
in The Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
of the English
Football in England
Association football is a national sport in England, where the first modern set of rules for the code were established in 1863, which were a major influence on the development of the modern Laws of the Game...
Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
, joining the youth system
Youth system
Youth system is a sporting terminology used to refer to a youth investment program within a particular team or league, which develops and nurtures young talent in farm teams, with the vision of using them in the first team if they show enough promise, and to fill up squads numbers in some teams...
in 2002. Before this he attended the Brazilian Soccer Schools scheme for a number of years. He made his debut for the Leeds first team at the age of 16 in a League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
game against Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
on 26 August 2008, being given a standing ovation from Leeds fans when he was replaced by substitute Bradley Johnson
Bradley Johnson
Bradley Paul Johnson is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Norwich City. His primary position is a central midfielder, but he can also play as a left winger and as a left back.-Club career:...
. He started again in the first round of the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
against Bradford City
Bradford City A.F.C.
Bradford City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, playing in League Two....
, earning more praise from his manager Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister MBE is a Scottish former professional footballer.McAllister played primarily as a midfielder, in a successful career spanning over nineteen years. He started his career at local side Motherwell before moving south of the border to Leicester City at the age of 20...
.
White made his league debut in the 2–0 win over Carlisle United
Carlisle United F.C.
Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system....
on 20 September 2008. White put in a string of impressive performances and was helped out by experienced defender Paul Telfer
Paul Telfer (footballer)
Paul Norman Telfer is a retired Scottish footballer who played as a full-back for various clubs, including Luton Town, Coventry City, Southampton and Celtic. He also made one appearance for the Scotland national football team...
who was more than twice White's age. White and Leeds suffered a defeat to Peterborough where White had a disappointing game and was subsequently taken out of the first team picture. He signed a professional
Professional
A professional is a person who is paid to undertake a specialised set of tasks and to complete them for a fee. The traditional professions were doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists,...
contract with Leeds in December, which contracted him at the club until June 2012.
White was highlighted as one of 20 future England stars with fellow Leeds teammate Fabian Delph
Fabian Delph
Fabian Delph is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Aston Villa and has represented his country at under-21 level. He was on the books of Bradford City as a youngster until he moved to Leeds United aged just 11...
in an article in The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
in November. Injury problems led to White missing much of the later part of the season as Leeds reached the playoffs.
2009–10 season
He returned to training after his injury problems with the first team for the start of the 2009–102009–10 in English football
The 2009–10 season was the 130th season of competitive football in England.The season began on 8 August 2009 for the Championship, League One and League Two and 15 August 2009 for the Premier League...
season. But his injury problems resurfaced after suffering a knee injury after preseason. White made his first start and appearance of the season in the Trophy game against Darlington
Darlington F.C.
Darlington Football Club is a professional association football club based in Darlington, County Durham, currently playing in the Conference National. The club was founded in 1883, and originally played its games at Feethams, before moving to the Darlington Arena in 2003...
.
White came on as a late substitute in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
game against Oldham Athletic
Oldham Athletic A.F.C.
Oldham Athletic Association Football Club is an English association football club based at Boundary Park, on Sheepfoot Lane in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The club currently competes in the Football League One, the third tier of the English league...
, and managed to assist a goal for Mike Grella
Mike Grella
Michael Grella is an American professional soccer player who plays for Brentford. He plays as a striker. He was a United States Under-20 International and a highly rated talent in USA...
despite only coming on as an injury time substitute. Two weeks later he made his first league appearance under manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
when he replaced Andy Hughes
Andrew Hughes (footballer)
Andrew John Hughes is an English footballer, currently playing for Charlton Athletic in League One of the English Football League. Known for his versatility, his main position is as a central midfielder, but he has also played regularly at fullback during his career...
as a sub against Leyton Orient.
White started for Leeds in the FA Cup replay against Kettering Town
Kettering Town F.C.
Kettering Town Football Club are a football club originating in Kettering, Northamptonshire but currently based in the nearby village of Irthlingborough. The club play in the Conference National after winning the Conference North in 2007–08...
but had to be replaced in the second half through injury, with Tony Capaldi
Tony Capaldi
Anthony Charles "Tony" Capaldi is a Norwegian-born Northern Ireland international footballer, who plays as a defender for Oxford United. He is also a long-throw specialist.-Club career:...
coming on as his replacement. White came on as a late substitute for Luciano Becchio
Luciano Becchio
Luciano Héctor Becchio is an Argentine footballer who plays for Leeds United as a striker. Born in Córdoba, Argentina, Becchio began his career at Boca Juniors before moving to Europe on an Italian passport, where he established himself in the Spanish lower leagues.He moved to England in the...
against Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
when Leeds won 1–0 away at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
on 3 January 2010 in the FA Cup. White came on as a substitute for Leeds when they earned a 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on 23 January 2010. White also made an appearance as a second half substitute for Leeds in the replay against Spurs, Leeds ended up losing the game 3–1. White made his first league start of the season in Leeds' fixture at Elland Road against Oldham Athletic where White impressed but suffered from cramp due to nervous energy and had to be substituted in the second half. After missing the match against Huddersfield Town White returned to the starting lineup against Brentford, this time playing left back replacing Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry (footballer)
Shane Thomas Lowry is an Irish-Australian professional football player who currently plays as a centre defender or left fullback for the Australia national football team and Millwall, on loan from Aston Villa...
in the side. White was part of the Leeds squad which gained promotion to The Championship, after finishing runner-up in League 1. White ended the season winning Leeds Uniteds Young Player Of The Year Award.
2010–11 season
He made his first appearance in The Championship when he came on in the opening fixture as a second half substitute in the loss to Derby CountyDerby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
. White made his first start of the season in the match against Doncaster Rovers coming into the side for Fede Bessone. White picked up a back injury soon after which ruled him out for a month.
Manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
revealed in his pre match press conference against Sheffield United that he was looking to send Aidy White out on loan, so that he could get some more first team experience and also help improve his match fitness. He also said that long term he see's White as a left winger rather than a left back.
Oldham Athletic loan
On 18 November 2010 he joined Oldham Athletic on loan until 3 January 2011, a club where his former Leeds team-mate Paul DickovPaul Dickov
Paul Dickov is a retired Scottish footballer, turned manager who is currently in charge of League One side Oldham Athletic...
is manager. White scored his first goal in senior football on his debut for Oldham against Dagenham & Redbridge. He scored in his second consecutive game when he scored a memorable goal with a fine individual effort against Exeter City. Whites loan spell was disrupted by five fixture postponements due to adverse weather conditions. He rejoined Oldham on loan on 27 January 2011 until the end of the season. He scored in his first game back at Oldham against Carlisle United. He scored in his second consecutive game against Hartlepool United. White finished his loan spell having played 24 matches and scoring four goals.
Return to Leeds
White wanted to use his experience of his loan move to help kick on at Leeds United and help to earn him a regular starting spot. White also revealed that the loan move had helped stop him get the bouts of cramp he used to suffer when playing for Leeds. After playing a part in most Leeds' pre season fixtures, He received a new squad number of 28 for the forthcoming season. White would miss the League Cup game against Bradford City due to his call up for the Republic of Ireland Under 21's squad. White returned to the Leeds squad the following game when he was named as an unused substitute against Middlesbrough. White made his first start of the season on 16 August, against Hull CityHull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
playing at left back. White was sent off against Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
after fouling Ipswich winger Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Jay Aston Emmanuel-Thomas is an English professional footballer who plays for Ipswich Town. A product of the Arsenal Academy, he is a versatile forward and can play as a winger or centre-forward...
. Leeds appealed the decision against the red card for White, but failed in the appeal and missed the game against Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
.
After suspension, White returned for the following match against Bristol City replacing Charlie Taylor
Charlie Taylor (footballer born 1993)
Charles James Taylor is an English footballer who plays for Leeds United at left back. He is a current England under-19 international.-Club career:...
and was awarded the Man of the Match award for his excellent performance.
In September 2011, after the 3-0 loss against Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
, White revealed he was now over the persistent cramp he used to suffer in games due to 'nervous anxiety' prior to his spell at Oldham, White has since become Leeds' first choice left back. White was part of the Leeds defence that got their first clean sheet of the season against Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
on 1 October.
White was linked with a move to Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
in October, however he revealed he wanted to stay at Leeds long term after cementing his place in the Leeds side.
International career
White made his England under-19England national under-19 football team
-Other matches:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the friendly match against Denmark.- Recent call-ups :The following players have also been called up to the England under-19 squad and remain eligible.-Past squads:...
debut in March 2009, when he came on as a 73rd minute substitute against the Czech Republic at Walsall
Walsall F.C.
Walsall Football Club are an English association football club based in Walsall, West Midlands. They currently play in League One. The club was founded in 1888 as Walsall Town Swifts, an amalgamation of Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. The club was one of the founder members of the Second...
's Bescot Stadium
Bescot Stadium
Bescot Stadium, also known as the Banks's Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is the home ground of Walsall Football Club. It was built in 1989-90 by GMI Construction with a reported build cost of £4.5m...
in a 0–0 draw.
White decided to change his International allegiance, and declared himself for the Republic of Ireland U21 and was called up to the U21 squad to play Austria on 10 August 2011. White made his debut for Republic of Ireland U21 starting the match against Austria, Ireland won the game 2–1 with White providing an assist for Robbie Brady
Robbie Brady
Robert "Robbie" Brady is an Irish professional footballer who plays for Hull City, on loan from Manchester United, as a winger. He has also played internationally for Ireland at under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels....
. White was again called up to the Ireland Under 21 squad for friendlies against Hungary and Turkey. He kept his place in the squad for the Under 21's game against Lichtenstein and managed to score his first goal for Ireland in a 2-0 victory.
Ireland under 21 manager Noel King
Noel King
Noel King is a former footballer and currently is the Republic of Ireland Under 21 manager having being appointed on 19 July 2010.-Playing career:...
said that White had been a revelation for Ireland Under 21's and that he expected White to break into the full senior squad.
Club
Leeds UnitedLeague One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
- Runners Up: 2009–10
Personal
Club AwardsLeeds United
Player of the Year Awards – Young Player of the Year: (1)
- Winner: 2009–10
- Runner Up: 2008–09
Career statistics
| Discipline |
|---|
| Leeds United | Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... > 16 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | – | – | ! 18 !! 0 | 1 |
| Oldham Athletic | Loan | League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... > 24 |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | ! 24 !! 4 | 0 |
| Leeds United | Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... > 2 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | – | – | ! 3 !! 0 | 0 |
| League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... > 8 |
0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | ! 15 !! 0 | 0 |
| League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... > 5 |
0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | ! 9 !! 0 | 0 |
- (correct as of 29 November 2011)