Ex-Man City footballer David White alleges he was sexually abused as a child

Former Manchester City player David White has become the latest footballer to claim that he was sexually abused by a coach as a child.

The 49-year-old, who represented England at international level, has alleged that his abuser was former Crewe Alexandra coach Barry Bennell, who was jailed for nine years in 1998 for sexual offences against children.

Former Crewe players Andy Woodward and Steve Walters, as well as ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker Paul Stewart, have also come forward with similar claims.

"For a number of reasons, and for nearly two decades, I kept my ordeal secret from my family and friends," BBC Sport quotes White as saying. "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."

Bennell, who admitted to 23 specimen charges of sexual offences against six boys between the ages of nine and 15, worked as a scout and coach at Crewe in the 1980s and '90s.