Adrian Whitbread

Adrian Whitbread

Tough and influential central defender Adrian started off his football career as a Youth Trainee at Leyton Orient before making his League debut in December 1989 and then becoming captain at the age of 20.

His battling performances earned him a £500,000 move to new Premiership side Swindon in 1993 and an even bigger fee changed hands when he switched to West Ham a year later. He failed to settle at Upton Park and moved on to Portsmouth where he was soon made skipper.

After falling out with manager Steve Claridge, Adrian joined Luton on loan in November 2000 and his commitment shone through as he tried to save the Hatters from relegation. Sadly, a transfer could not be arranged and Adrian joined Reading before finishing his League career at Exeter.

Adrian then acted as number two to Martin Allen in his various managerial posts.