Peter Withe

Lore & Background

Withe began his career at Southport and later played for Barrow, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the Portland Timbers of the NASL, where he was nicknamed 'The Mad Header' and 'The Wizard of Nod'. At Nottingham Forest, he won the Anglo-Scottish Cup and Second Division promotion in 1976–77, the First Division and League Cup in 1977–78, and the 1978 FA Charity Shield. After a spell at Newcastle, he became Aston Villa's record signing, winning the First Division in 1980–81, the European Cup in 1982, and the European Super Cup in 1982. He later played for Sheffield United, Birmingham City (on loan), and Huddersfield Town.

Reader's Guide

Withe was a big, tall, strong, powerful and imposing centre-forward, dangerous in the air and adept at shielding the ball. His biggest successes came when paired with a sharp, quick strike partner, such as Tony Woodcock at Nottingham Forest or Gary Shaw at Aston Villa. After his playing career, he managed Wimbledon briefly, then the Thailand national team (winning the ASEAN Football Championship in 2000 and 2002) and Indonesia, and later English non-league club Stockport Sports.

Did You Know?

• Withe scored 17 goals and added 7 assists in 22 games for the Portland Timbers in 1975, leading them to the NASL final.
• He was the first Aston Villa player selected in an England World Cup Finals squad, for the 1982 tournament in Spain.
• He was Newcastle United Player of the Year for 1978–79.
• Withe's son Jason also became a footballer, coach, and manager.