Gaffer says, “He’s not playing the minutes you would want.”
In January, Hibs is expected to bring up Spartan star Rory Whittaker. The management of Easter Road feels that attempts to develop one of the most promising players in their academy system are being hampered by Whittaker’s lack of playing time for the League Two team.
Back in August, Whittaker, who was only 16 years old and the youngest debutant in club history, was sent on loan to Spartans, the team where he had played his first organised football match before joining Hibs. The 17-year-old right defender, who is under contract until 2026, was anticipated to play frequently for Dougie Samuel’s team.
Whittaker, however, has only made one start for the Spartans and has made eight substitute appearances, most of which have come late in games, thus he hasn’t played many minutes. Hibs manager David Grey has therefore called up the young player to participate in a few Development Squad matches in recent weeks.
“Well, it’s just because he’s not playing,” Grey said when asked why Whittaker had been temporarily loaned back to Hibs for age-grade and reserve matches. The clubs have a relationship, and David Marshall communicates with the Spartans management on a regular basis.
“At Spartans, he isn’t playing the minutes you would like.” You should play as much as you can for his development. As long as they approve, they have been making accommodations for him so he can participate in games here.
“He benefits from having that consistent playing time because he doesn’t get it while on loan, which is the intended outcome when you play men’s football.” However, you want to play as many games as you can while you’re still in that developmental stage.
“It’s much better if you can get a game every week. It was beneficial that we were able to secure permission for him to perform for us, while he works out at East Mains and trains with them at night.
Whittaker is expected to return to HTC on a full-time basis in January after Hibs purposefully limited his first loan move away from the team to a half-season. It is also understood that unless there is a guarantee of increased playing time, they will not be sending him back to Ainslie Park.
After being selected from the under-18 team and thrust into the first team by Nick Montgomery last season, Whittaker made 14 senior appearances for Hibs. He would then probably be sent out on a second loan, ideally with better results, as Hibs aim to regularly expose him to senior football.
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