Loan: Rory Whittaker joins Spartans FC

Rory Whittaker has joined William Hill League Two side Spartans FC on loan until 1 January, 2025.

This is the 16-year-old right-back’s first loan move away from the Club having broken through the Hibernian FC academy.

Rory made his Hibs debut in September 2023 becoming the Club’s youngest ever player, and went on to make 14 appearances during his breakthrough season.

To now gain regular senior game-time, he will join Dougie Samuel’s Spartans who sit fourth in League Two having drawn their opening game with Stranraer.

Hibernian FC Sporting Director Malky Mackay commented: “This is an important development loan for Rory and gives him the opportunity to play regularly at a competitive level.

“We do a lot of work on our player development plans and this loan will enable Rory to develop certain areas of his game, whilst show off some of his strengths. He will continue to train with us at HTC, which means he still gets time with our coaches, and we can constantly monitor his progress.

“We believe Spartans are exactly the right kind of football club to work with for Rory’s development and I look forward to working with them on it.”

Hibernian FC Head Coach David Gray added: “Rory is a young player that has continued to impress me in pre-season, but due to the number of options we have at right-back, his game-time would be limited.

“Rory needs to be tested physically week in, week out, and I’m sure he will relish this challenge.”