CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB - HOME OF THE SEAGULLS

CHELSEA GRIT

1961 - 1968 KEVIN 'DOC' WHITE

Jubilant Chelsea footballers shoulder Captain-Coach ‘Doc’ White from the field after the team’s win over top side Frankston last Saturday.
From Left : J. Reardon, K. Knight, C. Johnstone, K. White, T. Gray, G. Tennant, A. Davies, G. Kane, R. Baker, B. McKay, L. McGuigan.

KEVIN ‘DOC’ WHITE
Senior Captain/Coach
1961-1967
 
DEBUT - Collingwood 3RD XV111-1954
PLAYING RECORD
Collingwood 3RDS  110 games
Postals     95 games
Chelsea 1ST XV111 170 games
PREMIERSHIPS
Chelsea 1ST XV111
1962, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1968.
BEST & FAIREST
Postals - 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959.
Collingwood - 1959
Saturday Morning League - 1959
Sunday League - 1959
Chelsea 1ST XV111 - 1966
COACHING
Postals - 1955-1959
Chelsea 1ST XV111 - 1961 - 1967
Captain / Coach  MPFL - 1963 - 1968
CURRENT STATUS
Life Member  CFC - 1977
MPFL Team of the Century—Captain
 
What is it that affords a person recognition as a living legend? Perhaps the best judgement lies in how they are remembered.
In the case of ‘Doc’ White, the legend grows as the years go by. As far as inspiring leaders go, ‘Doc’ was outstanding. He possessed an ability to get the very best out of everyone involved, enabling him to lead the club through a new era of great success.
Personable, friendly and having a keen sense of humour, ‘Doc’ was a clear thinker with a great feel for the game and the people involved. He exuded a confidence and commitment that was contagious, making him universally popular as he generated a sense of shared commitment and self confidence.
Lightly built for a centre-half-forward, ‘Doc’ was a brilliant ball handler, too fleet of foot for most of the heavier, lumbering centre-half-backs of the sixties. He had a wonderful turn of speed and an agility that was rare in a six footer.
Appointed as Chelsea’s captain-coach in 1961, ‘Doc’ took several games  before tasting success. Forthwith, everything fell into place as the team embarked on a winning streak that would see them narrowly miss the finals.
Slowly, his team developed the same style as its coach. They were became hungry, determined and skilled ball players.
Success soon followed as the Seagulls dominated the competition throughout the sixties.
‘Doc’ himself continued to back up his astute coaching with brilliant on-field performances that brought him the honour of leading the interleague side on 20 occasions with great success. Invariably Doc’s interleague performances were of the highest standard.
His outstanding contributions as a player and leader were recognised with his nomination as Captain of the Peninsula Team of the Century in 2008.
‘Doc’ was a man who earned great respect from all within the local football world. He left the club with a tremendous appreciation of its own capabilities - a strong club with self respect and high expectations.
This was ‘Doc’ White’s greatest legacy.

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