Mark Whatley
Having lifted the Scottish League 2 and Scottish League 1 Trophies as Arbroath FC Captain, we are sad to announce that midfielder Mark Whatley is set to leave the club.
In terms of consecutive seasons at Gayfield, Mark is 3rd having just completed his 7th season, with only Ricky Little and Bobby Linn ahead of him on 8 seasons.
It was Paul Sheerin who signed Mark all the way back in June 2014 from Lowland League Champions Spartans, with Mark having started his career at Raith Rovers, before moving on loan to Tayport.
Mark’s early form in his Arbroath career caught the eye of Aberdeen and Derek McInnes took Mark up to Pittodrie for a trial.
It is testament to a player’s personality and leadership qualities that makes them the Club Captain, and Mark will be remembered at Gayfield for leading the team to two League Titles whilst almost being an ever present during his time with the club.
A gentleman on and off the park, Mark’s style of play on the pitch means he is a nightmare for the opposition always chasing and harassing every player to get the ball back. It’s a position that often doesn’t gain the headlines but it is a crucial role in every team, and one that Mark mastered.
We take a look back over Mark’s Arbroath Career.
Season 2014/2015 – Season 1
Paul Sheerin signed Mark for the Lichties in the summer of 2014 and made his competitive debut coming on as a substitute in the 1st round of the Petrofac Cup.
Mark then made 44 starting appearances in his debut season for the Lichties including starting all 36 league games and both play off matches whilst scoring against Clyde in the League.
44 Starts, 1 substitute appearance – 1 goal
Season 2015/2016 – Season 2
In the 2015-2016 season, Mark made 3 starts in the Scottish Cup, and a further 33 out of 36 starts in the League with one further appearance from the bench and scored goals against Cowdenbeath in the Scottish Cup and Montrose and East Stirlingshire in the League
Season 2016/2017 – Season 3
36 starts, 1 substitute appearance – 3 goals
Mark again had another fantastic season in 2016-2017 where he started every game in the Betfred Cup (4), Irn-Bru Cup (2) and Scottish Cup (2) whilst starting 35 out of 36 league games and scoring against Annan Athletic and Clyde as Mark lifted the League 2 Trophy as Arbroath Captain.
Season 2017/2018 – Season 4
43 starts – 2 goals
Mark entered League One with the Lichties and again kept up his incredible run in the team, Betfred Cup 2 starts (1 sub), Irn-Bru Cup (1) and Scottish Cup (2) whilst starting 35 of the 36 league games and also coming on as a sub and starting 1 of the 2 play-off semi-finals. Mark only scored one goal that season but it was a peach against Ayr United.
41 starts, 1 substitute appearance – 1 goal
Season 2018/2019 – Season 5
Mark entered his 5th season with the Lichties again captaining the side and for the 2nd time lifted a title winning trophy as Arbroath skipper as we ran away with League One having led from the very first game of the season. A fantastic day of celebrations at Glebe Park, continued with the trophy presentation at Gayfield a few weeks later.
29 starts, 7 substitute appearances – 0 goals
Season 2019 / 2020 – Season 6
It was a memorable season with highs and lows for us all, as Mark continued his excellent run of form helping Arbroath climb up the Championship table, but of course the pandemic cut the season short for us all.
As Arbroath finished 5th in their debut in the Championship Mark made made 23 starts out of 26, with a further appearance from the bench, then start all 4 matches in the Scottish Cup, started our 2 matches in the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup, and started 3 out of 4 in the Betfred Cup.
32 starts from 36 games, 1 substitute appearance – 0 goals
Season 2020/2021 – Season 7
This season was a strange one for everyone, with strict COVID Protocols and no supporters changing the football landscape on all levels.
With a late start for the Championship sides, Mark unfortunately suffered an injury just before pre-season which kept him out of the team at the the start of the season.
Mark did return to full fitness and started his first game of the season against Alloa Athletic. A frustrating season followed for Mark, with just one more start against Queen of the South and just 4 other appearances from the bench all season.
2 Starts, 4 substitute appearances.
In total Mark has made an incredible 227 starts and 15 starts from the bench giving him an amazing tally of 242 appearances and scored 7 goals in 7 seasons with the Lichties, lifting two Trophies as Captain.
At only 30-years-old Mark is coming into the peak of his career and understandably wants to be playing every week.
It certainly won’t be the same next season without Mark at Gayfield who has always been a real favourite with the fans and had time to talk to all supporters.
We would like to again thank Mark for his 7 seasons at the club, and we are just sorry that our supporters didn’t get the chance to give Mark the send off he truly deserves.
Arbroath FC Chairman said “ Mark is an Arbroath legend, history maker and I’m sure everyone at the Club wishes him all the best in his next adventure, Mark will always be welcome back at Gayfield Park anytime.”
Thank you for the memories Mark!
C’mon the Lichties
