Whitley arrived from Manchester City as a combative midfielder, the perfect sort of steely player to propel Sunderland straight back into the Premier League after a catastrophic relegation campaign. Instead, he became a scapegoat for the team's failed promotion bid - arguably for good reason. Having finished third in the First Division, Sunderland were expected to breeze past sixth-placed Crystal Palace en route to Wembley. Instead, their two-legged encounter went to penalties. Whitley stepped up and clipped a weak effort straight at the keeper - an almost arrogant effort in its lack of conviction. Where Is He Now: Whitley retired in 2013, having slid slowly down the leagues for the eight years following his Sunderland exit. His past clubs include Cardiff, Wrexham, Woodely Sports and Northwich Victoria.
