Jeff Whitley is the only player included on this list for sheer incompetence, and a moment of stupidity that cost Sunderland big-time. He was already one of the worst SAFC players in recent memory before his defining moment. The 2003/04 Championship Play Off semi-final against Crystal Palace was finely poised, and the game went to sudden death penalties. Whitley confidently stepped up, and having watched his teammate John Oster rifle his effort against the post, all he had to do was keep it simple. Whitley began his run up, came to an abrupt halt, which deceived the keeper into diving early, yet stunningly placed his shot at the stranded goalkeeper. Michael Hughes dispatched the next penalty for Palace, and Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy went beserk with the midfielder who has earned infamy with the locals.
What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.
