Black History Month: Winston White

For the second instalment of our Black History Month series, we look back at the career of Leicester-born Winston White, a skilful winger who built a career on humble beginnings in Evington before becoming Leicester City's first-ever black First Team player.

2026-10-08T14:30+01:00

by Admin

Published

08 Oct, 2026

Black History Month: Winston White

For the second instalment of our Black History Month series, we look back at the career of Leicester-born Winston White, a skilful winger who built a career on humble beginnings in Evington before becoming Leicester City's first-ever black First Team player.

Admin

2026-10-08T14:30+01:00

Black History Month: Winston White

For the second instalment of our Black History Month series, we look back at the career of Leicester-born Winston White, a skilful winger who built a career on humble beginnings in Evington before becoming Leicester City's first-ever black First Team player.

Admin

2026-10-08T14:30+01:00

Black History Month: Winston White

For the second instalment of our Black History Month series, we look back at the career of Leicester-born Winston White, a skilful winger who built a career on humble beginnings in Evington before becoming Leicester City's first-ever black First Team player.

Admin

2026-10-08T14:30+01:00

Black History Month: Winston White

For the second instalment of our Black History Month series, we look back at the career of Leicester-born Winston White, a skilful winger who built a career on humble beginnings in Evington before becoming Leicester City's first-ever black First Team player.

Admin

2026-10-08T14:30+01:00

Our Black History Month spotlight shines this week on former winger Winston White
Leicester-born White played for hometown club Leicester City between 1977-79
He scored for us against Liverpool and later went on to make over 600 career appearances for other clubs

Throughout October, we will recall figures from across different eras of our history, celebrating their achievements in a Foxes shirt and the part they have played in our story – a feature which began last week with fan favourite Larry May.

Born in Leicester in 1958, White grew up playing football locally before being spotted by Leicester City’s chief scout at the age of 14. He had started out with Wadkins Juniors, before joining us as an apprentice at 16 under Manager Jimmy Bloomfield.

“I went to Crown Hills, it was a really good school, particularly for sport,” White recalled in a past interview with Club Historian John Hutchinson. “We had some talented youngsters there and a very good sports teacher who helped encourage and develop me, not just as a sports person but as an individual.”

His First Team debut came at Stoke City in March 1977, aged 18. With Keith Weller injured, Bloomfield handed White a surprise starting opportunity – one he seized by setting up Frank Worthington for the winning goal.

“You never forget your debut,” he said. “I remember it as if it was yesterday. I was fortunate to have a good game. I set up the winner for Frank Worthington. It was a dream start in many ways!”

White was part of a talented young Leicester side, but managerial changes at Filbert Street soon disrupted his development. He scored his first goal for his hometown club at Anfield against eventual champions Liverpool, putting us ahead before we eventually lost 3-2.

He added: “We gave a really good account of ourselves and I remember the newspaper headline a couple of days later: ‘Leicester City: down with dignity’.”

After 12 appearances for City, White moved to Hereford United in March 1979, beginning a career which would take him across the country and overseas.

Spells with Hong Kong Rangers, Chesterfield, Port Vale and Stockport County preceded a successful period at Bury, where he was ever-present during their 1985 promotion campaign.

His performances earned a move to Colchester United and then Burnley, where he made 128 appearances. White developed a deep affection for the Lancashire club and its supporters, reflecting on the strength of its identity and connection with its community.

“They have the fanbase, the passion and an intensity you cannot escape from,” he explained. “The players can identify with the club and the fans, which you don’t always get at a club.”

At 31, White moved to West Bromwich Albion, determined to prove himself at a higher level. He even scored against Leicester on his home debut. However, a serious medial ligament injury eventually curtailed his pace retiring in 1993.

“I would have liked to be scoring for Leicester City but that goal was a vindication for all the effort and work that I had put in,” Winston said. “It was a nice feeling but I didn’t want to disrespect my home town club by doing a merry jig.”

White finished his playing career with 610 league and cup appearances and 73 goals, but his connection with football did not end there.

After completing a degree in Business and Leisure Management and an MBA, he moved into scouting and talent identification. He founded the World Soccer Scouts Association, delivering courses around the world to help aspiring scouts identify and develop talent, particularly at grassroots level.

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