Derek Whyte

Who is Derek Whyte?

Derek Whyte is a former Scottish footballer who played for Celtic, Middlesbrough, Aberdeen and Partick Thistle. He also won twelve caps for Scotland during his 18 year playing career. He participated at Euro 92, Euro 96 and the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Whyte joined Celtic on 14 May 1985 as a 16 year old from the Celtic Boys Club. A defender with the greatest of promise, described as the new Billy McNeill, his form slumped towards the end of his time at the club. He left at the end of the 91-92 season when an agreeable new contract was not forthcoming. He was sold to Middlesbrough for £900,000 where he returned to the early good form he had shown at Celtic.

After 5 seasons on Teesside, Whyte left Middlesbrough to return to Scotland, joining Aberdeen for an undisclosed fee and a four and a half year contract in December 1997. He was appointed Captain at Pittodrie and remained there until 2002, when he joined Partick Thistle on a free transfer.

Along with Gerry Britton, Whyte was appointed joint player-manager of the Jags when Gerry Collins was sacked in November 2003.