Johnny Whiteley

Is 90 today. Once had the pleasure of talking to him at City when a lad who went to rugby as well as City recognised him stood near us in The Well. What a pleasant, yet humble gentleman.
I am not the biggest rugby league fan but can recognise a true sporting great who has brought credit to the city of Hull a true, (to use a word the HDM throws at everything no matter how undeserving) icon and deserving of the word.

Happy birthday, Johnny.

 

Good post.

 

Nothing more disappointing than meeting a sportsman or famous person and finding out they’re arrogant pricks.
As you say a decent fella.

 

Agree with the above and he looks and does well for a 90 year old bloke.
Always supports anything the Ex -Tigers do.
In fact he supports everything. Someone once said that he would turn up for the opening of an envelope.
Genuine decent bloke. I wish him well and always do when our paths cross.

 

Really good ones aren't.

A few years ago I was in my local when a Rovers FC game was on. Managed to upset someone from Hull who was watching. It was when they were redeveloping New Craven Park and one end was empty. I preferred the opinion it must be the area reserved for FC fans with an IQ over 60. He went and sat down and got into conversation with a bloke he recognised. He was offering some good insights into the game, explaining why play had carried on or why the referee's decision was in his opinion was correct. When the bloke and his wife left after the game some Wessie on holiday said who was that clever prat giving his opinions as though he knows all about. The lad who had gone and sat with him said that it was Keith Mumby, you soft twat. The name was familiar but didn't know much about him. Turned ot he has had the most appearances for Bradford, was the all time record points scorer for them until overtaken by Paul Deacon, has the record for the most points scored on a RL debut, played for England and Great Britain. Came across as a really pleasant bloke. Made no mention of who he was or his experience in the game.

 

He used to let City (well, City players) use his gym for free in the 90s when we were skint, I have been told. He's certainly been very supportive of City over the years.

 

Who is he?

 

He was a big fan of Dolan and was not happy with supporters who hated Dolan . I heard the club let come to the games for free because of all the help he gave to City when Dolan was the manager .I certainly recall seeing him stood in the Well during that period when City were in turmoil in the mid 90 's. The man is a gentleman and appears to be legend amongst older rugby fans . Happy birthday John .

 

He was on tv the other night. Think it was Matt Dean from Blunder who spoke to him. He came across as a humble, lovely chap who just loved playing rugby.
Hope he makes it to a ton.

 

Top bloke
Was coached by him when I had a brief stint playing the lesser code of Rugby.

 

I'm glad you've cleared that up

 

Nothing relevant to say?

 

Wish City had someone like him who could have done an hon. pres. role or ambassador job for us.

Echo what has been said about him in previous posts.

They could have had Alf Macklin or Tim Wilby, but they got Johnny Whiteley.

 

Didn't know he'd coached Rugby Union

 

Yep, one hell of a good player, a proper icon and one hell of a nice guy!

 

A couple of mates dad's played rugby with him said he's a great bloke, I work with his daughter and have a met him, he is a very nice man who loves his rugby but also loves everything Hull including city.

 

Went to some charity match at the Boulevard in the late 50s between City and Hull, in the crowd were several Hull City players and I went round with my autograph book for their signatures, Billy Bly was stood next to Johnny Whiteley and after signing my book Billy passsed the book to Johnny to sign but I said no I'm only collecting footballers autographs, later in life I actually played Rugby against him and to this day I still regret that I refused his autograph.

 

I've no time for those who refuse to give autographs...
Jimmy Page and Roger Daltrey should go on the wall of shame. Without fans they'd be no bodies.

 

Lovely video with him