Former England international David White has spoken out for the first time about the sex abuse he suffered at the hands of convicted paedophileBarry Bennell.
White, who was part of the Manchester City team that won the FA Youth Cup in 1986,becomes the fourth person in the space of a week - followingex-Crewe players Andy Woodward and Steve Walters, and former Tottenham and Liverpool midfielder Paul Stewart - to come forward and reveal his harrowing story.
Bennell, a former youth coach at Crewe, wasjailed for nine years in 1998after admitting 23 charges of sexual offences against six boys aged nine to 15. Bennell was also sentenced totwo years in May 2015 for molesting a 12-year-old. According toThe Guardian, he is believed to be out on licence and currentlyliving in Milton Keynes.
A personal statement: pic.twitter.com/Vxm33KFy3j
Given recent press stories I wish to confirm that I was sexually abused by my former football coach Barry Bennell in the late 70s and early 80s “ this abuse took place while I was attached to Whitehill FC Junior team based in Manchester," White said.
For a number of reasons, and for nearly two decades, I kept my ordeal secret from my family and friends. While I believe throughout my football career I have come to terms with what had happened, I now realise the effects of Bennell's actions were much more far-reaching than I knew then.�
White, who represented England at senior level against Spain in a 1992 friendly,also revealed he intends to publish a book detailing the torment and abuse he suffered, entitled 'Shades of Blue: The Hidden Torment of a Football Star'.
This, incidentally, was Crewe's response when Bennell was sentenced to nine years in prison in June 1998. From the Crewe Chronicle: pic.twitter.com/pSCLHLEM4y
Last year I made the decision to gather my thoughts, reflect on my experience and tell my life story in my own words,� White said in quotes reported byThe Guardian'sDaniel Taylor. I did not set out to write a story about the abuse, but knew I would have to include it.
In doing so I have come to terms with the fact that Bennell's actions influenced almost every event and relationship in my life. The process of writing the book became sometimes painful, always cathartic and incredibly liberating. I would like to say that I do not feel brave.
This is just my story and I am now happy to tell it because despite the profound effects of 1979-80 I feel like one of the lucky ones.
Circumstances took me away from the abuse before it escalated. I salute Andy Woodward, Steve Walters, and Paul Stewart for so bravely revealing their personal tragedies. The physical abuse they and others suffered was certainly more extreme and prolonged than my ordeal, and I cannot be sure that I would have their courage.�
In the UK, The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14.
Two front pages, two brave footballers, two terrible stories. pic.twitter.com/KaZcB3M9Mo