PLAYER PROFILE

Dean Whitehead

Position: Midfield

Height: 5'11

Weight: 12st 1lbs

Date of Birth: 1982-01-21 Abingdon, England

Dean Whitehead

Sunderland signed Dean Whitehead from Oxford United in June 2004 after the midfielder had been named their Player of the Year.

The Black Cats were made to pay £150,000 for him by a tribunal, and it turned out to be money well spent as he went on to play a huge role in their promotion season, scoring five times in 39 appearances.

He was again a vital part of the Sunderland team in 2006/07 as they were promoted to the Premier League for a second time after being relegated in 05/06.

He is the captain of the club and his experience, pace and skill will prove vital if the Black Cats are to avoid repeating the disaster of 05/06 in 07/08.