Outspending

With Chinese clubs outspending their English Premier League rivals in this year's winter transfer window, top targets such as Jackson Martinez, Alex Teixeira, Ramires and Hulk are increasingly accepting lucrative offers from China.

"They're definitely putting the money behind the talk," said White, who has pitted his wits against the likes of Clarence Seedorf and Fabio Cannavaro in China's first division.

White credits his Chinese wife Rui and baby son Flash for helping to ease the transition from island life to the hustle and bustle of Shanghai.

"It's a very ruthless environment in China, but my wife has been great with the language and the culture," he said.

"She's also started to get into football. When we beat Cannavaro's team (Tianjin) and everyone was celebrating, she was the first one to say: 'You need to get focused, it's just one game!' She helps me keep my feet on the ground. No messing about!"

White offered some tips to young English coaches struggling to get a foothold in the game.

"If I had any advice it would be to go and further your horizons a little bit, don't sit around waiting for offers," he said.

"Go into uncomfortable areas - it's where you really find out about yourself."

He also believes English coaches have not been helped by the scandal that cost Sam Allardyce his job after one game as England manager, when he was caught in an embarrassing newspaper sting.

"It really was disappointing with Sam," White said. "I think it's a disgrace. It doesn't help the market for English coaches in terms of clubs looking at you."

He said his ultimate goal is managing England - which would complete quite a journey after his stints in Bognor, Guam and Shanghai.

"I'd definitely love to coach the national team and put some pride back into it," said White. "It would be a wonderful honor. That would be my end goal."