Latest news with #RoryWhittaker
Scotsman
a day ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hibs transfer news: Why Easter Road club accepted Saints bid for wonderkid Whittaker
EFL Championship side were one of several clubs chasing youngest ever Hibee Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The youngest debutant in Hibs history is on the move to the EFL Championship – after Southampton swooped in to buy teenage defender Rory Whittaker for an undisclosed fee. And Easter Road sporting director Malky Mackay admitted it had been a 'difficult decision' to cash in on the 18-year-old, who has signed a three-year deal at St Mary's. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whittaker was just 16 years and 44 days old when he made his debut in a win over St Johnstone at Easter Road in September of 2023. The right back had been spotted by then-boss Nick Montgomery in his first week as gaffer, with the Yorkshireman inviting the youngster to train with the first team – and promptly promoting him into the senior squad. But he was unable to nail down a regular place under Montgomery and then replacement David Gray. An unsatisfactory loan spell at SPFL League Two side Spartans last season ended in January, with Whittaker returning to play with the development squad at East Mains. Whittaker, who made 14 first-team appearances, played a major role in helping Hibernian Under-18s win the CAS Elite League title last season. Always considered a player of enormous potential, he found it difficult to force his way into a first XI boasting experience and a quality in depth at right back and right wingback. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'A lot of interest' – Malky Mackay Mackay said: 'As always, we have to make difficult decisions regarding our young players, taking into consideration their wishes, their development, their contractual status, and other details. There was a lot of interest in Rory from clubs down in England, and as he had a year left on his contract, we decided this was the right deal for Hibernian FC. 'Whilst the main aim for our academy is to produce players for our own first team, when a move like this comes up, it is difficult to deny a youngster that opportunity. We wish Rory all the best with him move and thank him for all his hard work during his time at Hibernian FC.' What Rory Whittaker has said about Southampton move Speaking to Saints media team, Whittaker commented: 'I think the facilities here are really good. It's exceptional, so I think I can better myself on the pitch and off the pitch here. 'Coming here is a massive thing for me, I obviously want to try and get into that First-Team, every young player wants to, that's the man goal but right now it's just to settle in and enjoy my time.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Get into the first team' - Saints confirm signing of young Scottish defender
SAINTS have confirmed the signing of 18 year old defender Rory Whittaker from Scottish Premiership side Hibernian on a three-year deal. The Scotland youth international joins Tonda Eckert's under-21s ahead of the Premier League 2 season starting at Newcastle United this weekend. Whittaker was 16 when he made 15 first team appearances for Hibs during the 2023/24 season, and spent last year on loan at fourth tier Spartans FC. After signing his deal, Whittaker said: "I think the facilities here are really good. It's exceptional, so I think I can better myself on and off the pitch. "Coming here is a massive thing for me, I obviously want to try and get into that first team, every young player wants to, that's the main goal but right now it's just to settle in and enjoy my time." Director of group talent strategy, Andy Goldie added: "Rory is another positive addition to our under-21s group, having already gained impressive first team and international experience in Scotland. "His athletic profile and offensive qualities provide more competition and depth in the full back areas, which is important for us to continue to build on the success of last season."
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Whittaker secures 'undisclosed transfer' to Southampton
Teenage right-back Rory Whittaker has left Hibernian to join say "terms for the 18-year-old's transfer will remain undisclosed". Whittaker, who became the Easter Road club's youngest player at 16 years and 44 days, had entered the final year of his contract. He scored once in 14 Hibernian appearances and spent time on loan at Spartans last season."As always we have to make difficult decisions regarding our young players, taking into consideration their wishes, their development, their contractual status, and other details," said sporting director Malky Mackay. "There was a lot of interest in Rory from clubs down in England, and as he had a year left on his contract, we decided this was the right deal for Hibernian FC."While the main aim for our academy is to produce players for our own first team, when a move like this comes up - it is difficult to deny a youngster that opportunity."
