We spoke with the young man to learn more about his Hibs journey thus far in the most recent issue of HQ Magazine.
At the age of 16 years and 44 days, Rory Whittaker made history on September 23, 2023, when he became the Hibernian FC’s youngest-ever player.
The record, which Rory shattered, was previously held by Hibs icon Jimmy O’Rourke, who made his debut in December 1962 and held it for 42 years. Jamie McCluskey had set the previous mark in 2004.
Whittaker, a player who most Hibs fans had never heard of, contributed to Nick Montgomery’s first Hibs victory and is a sign of the direction our new head coach is taking the team—which includes providing young players with opportunity.
Since then, Rory has continued to impress, making multiple additional appearances off the bench and making his Club debut in a 2-2 draw away at St Mirren in November. Whittaker’s Under-18 teammate Josh Landers has gone on to make his First Team debut for the Club.
Reflecting on the past few hectic months, Rory spoke with HQ Magazine about his journey from ball boy to debutant in just one month.
To be honest, everything happened really quickly.
“In August, the Academy boys were enlisted by the former manager, Lee Johnson, to serve as ball boys during the European games. Each of us had a designated role.”
“I had no idea that a month later, when I was doing that, I would be making my debut on the pitch. The idea that I went from being a ball boy to being on the pitch in a matter of seconds drives me insane.
“When the new manager joined the Club in September, he and his coaching team went to witness our U18s play away at Rangers. In the end, I had one of my best performances ever, both offensively and defensively.
“Gareth Evans called me the next week to inform me that I would not be participating in the Development Squad’s match that week and that I should report for First Team training instead.
“I admit that I was a little anxious before that first training session, but really, I was more excited. I have always played up in larger age groups throughout my career, so it made me really happy to be on the field with these men who you have grown up watching.
“I spent the entire week before St Johnstone training with the First Team.”
Rory, a native Hibee, acknowledges that, at this early point in his career, sharing the field alongside some of his childhood idols was a strange experience.
Rory goes on, “I’ve always been a fan of the Hibs.”
Since I couldn’t acquire a ticket, I watched the Scottish Cup Final on TV, but when I was nine years old, I attended the procession, which was a wonderful celebration.
It still hurts to even say that, but there were a lot of athletes I grew up admiring, including Lewis Stevenson, who I currently play along side David Gray. I
He is a fullback and, naturally, plays in a similar way to really like him, and I can recall my brother and I trying to re-create his goals and that garden celebration of the Scottish Cup Final.
“The other one is John McGinn; I really liked his style of play. Growing up, I played a variety of positions, including right-back, center-mid, and right-midfield, so I’ve always had a few ‘favorite players’ that I build my game around in various positions.”
After a few years, Rory and Lewis Stevenson were positioned on the Easter Road touchline, ready for Rory to make his first team debut for his childhood club.
“The days before it were filled with so much enthusiasm. Although I was aware that I might be involved, I tried not to become too excited…
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