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Bolton Wanderers rejected the man they were later to make their
captain, so Mike Whitlow found himself playing in the HFS League with
Witton Albion when Howard Wilkinson came in to make him one of his
first signings, along with Neil Parsley in a joint deal. Whitlow went
on to much greater things than Parsley: he became a key member of the
side that won promotion from Division 2 and established itself as a
contender in the top flight, but the arrival of Tony Dorigo consigned
Whitlow to the bench. Never spectacular, but a reliable and solid
member of a team that played and fought for each other, he was one of
those players who was popular with the fans for his work-rate and the
fact that he did his best - even if some of the crowd were less than
charitable as to what that best amounted to. He was released by Leeds
close to deadline day in 1992 and enjoyed a good stint in the Premier
League with Leicester and in the PL/Division 1 with Bolton, who
finally decided that they could find a place for the man they had
discarded nearly 15 years before.
In 2001-02 he was at the heart of Bolton's defence alongside the
experienced ex-Spurs player Gudni Bergsson and together they helped to
keep Bolton in the Premier League. He also finally received his
Championship medal this year when it was realised he had played enough
games while at Elland Road to qualify for one in 1992. Whitlow was
released at the end of his contract at the end of the 2002-03
season.
Hazel Fletcher says: I am researching the WHITLOW name as I have
ancestors of that name. I have written to Mike and will let you know
if anything turns up.
Chris says: Mike was in the year below me at school, top bloke even
then.
Russell Hartle says: a very good pro,and a nice man too.
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