Deano was one of United`s rising stars, coming through the youth team and reserves to the first team. Born in Oxford, Deano gave strength and vision to the midfield. Played mostly on the right side of midfield, where his accurate crossing worked wonders, Deano would have established himself in the United pantheon of home-grown greats, but unfortunately he was signed by Sunderland before realising his potential at the Us. His appearances under Ian Atkins were initially limited to covering for the more experienced regulars. In the second half of the 2003/04 season Whitehead eventually made himself a regular in the midfield and was consistently United`s best player. He was even captain for a day in United`s final away game of the season at Macclesfield. He went on to captain Sunderland in the Premiership. In July 2009 he moved to Stoke in a £3 million deal, possibly rising to £5 million, of which Oxford received 25%. Wheee!
Man of the Match:
Rochdale (40%) 08/05/04
Cambridge (32%) 24/04/04
Bury (50%) 21/02/04
Darlington (47%) 01/11/03
Torquay (40%) 01/10/03
Northampton (43%) 27/09/03
Doncaster (44%) 20/09/03
Cheltenham (40%) 16/09/03
York (56%) 03/05/03
Aston Villa (30%) 06/11/02
Rushden & Diamonds (77%) 05/02/02
Torquay United (22% - joint with Andy Woodman) 22/01/02
Rochdale (40%) 19/01/02
Hull (18% - joint with Manny Omoyinmi) 01/12/01
Kidderminster (26%) 25/09/01
Weakest Link:
Plymouth (38%) 06/10/01