Hibs youngster Rory Whittaker joins Spartans on loan

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

The Scotland age-grade Internationalist who has featured at u16, u17 and now u19s level, made the move across the Capital from the Spartans Youth u11s to Easter Road on 15^th July 2017, signing up for the Hibs Elite Youth Academy. 

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

He 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. 

Hibs 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.” 

Hibs 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.”