Shaun Whalley
Encyclopedia
Shaun James Whalley is an English
footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Football Conference
club Southport
. Born in Prescot
, Merseyside
, he played for Norwich City
and Southport
as a youth before making his Football League debut with Chester City
in 2004.
After leaving Chester, he spent time in non-League football
with Runcorn F.C. Halton and Witton Albion
. While on the books at Witton, he spent five weeks on trial with Football League One
side Crewe Alexandra
but was not offered a contract, so he signed for League Two
side Accrington Stanley
in 2006. Whalley spent almost two years with the Lancashire club, but following his release in the summer of 2008, he returned to non-League, initially with Wrexham. While at Wrexham, he had a short loan spell with Southport where he helped the team to the Conference North play-offs. He subsequently played at Droylsden
, where he was part of the team that won the Manchester Premier Cup
in 2010, and Hyde
before joining Southport on a permanent basis in January 2011.
Described as an "express-train down the wings" by former team-mate Paul Mullin
, Whalley was called up to the Football Association XI standby squad for a game against Hallam
, the game taking place to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the club. He is the son of the former Presten North End
captain Neil Whalley
, who was also a midfielder.
, Merseyside
. As a child, he played football for his local teams until 2001 when he was spotted by Norwich City
. He went to play for their academy, where he played for three years before leaving in 2004. He subsequently returned to Merseyside and joined Southport, where he played several reserve-team matches. In the summer of the same year, Whalley turned professional when he signed for Football League
side Chester City
.
Whalley's father, Neil Whalley
, was also a professional footballer in the early 1990s. He too played in midfield
and made more than 50 appearances for Preston North End
, where he was also captain for a period of time.
on 18 September 2004, coming on as a substitute for Darryn Stamp
. His debut came just one day after he signed a professional contract with Chester; manager Ian Rush
had only included him on the substitutes' bench as a result of injuries to Daryl Clare
and Michael Branch
. The following week, he was part of the side that defeated Sheffield Wednesday
at Hillsborough Stadium
in the second round of the Football League Trophy
. Whalley made three further senior appearances for Chester, all as a substitute, before leaving the club in the summer of 2005.
In August of that year, Whalley moved into non-League football
with Runcorn as one of several new signings for the Northern Premier League
outfit. He made his first appearance for the club in the 1–1 draw with Frickley Athletic
and subsequently established himself as a regular first-team player. Whalley scored his first goal for Runcorn in the 5–1 defeat of his hometown club, Prescot Cables
and he netted again the following week in the loss to Matlock Town
. He went on to play 21 league matches for Runcorn before joining Witton Albion
in March 2006. During his short spell with the club, he scored 6 goals in 18 league appearances.
club Crewe Alexandra
, but he was not offered a permanent contract. He subsequently joined League Two
side Accrington Stanley
on loan two months later. Whalley made his debut for the club in the 1–2 defeat to Hartlepool United
at the Crown Ground. However, two weeks later, he was sent off in the Football League Trophy match against Doncaster Rovers
following a high tackle on Theo Streete
, although Accrington manager John Coleman felt that the challenge was not deserving of a red card. The subsequent suspension meant that Whalley spent almost a month out of the side before returning in late December in the loss to Bristol Rovers
. He made his transfer to Accrington permanent in January 2007, signing a two-year contract with the club, and the following week he scored a late winner in the 3–2 victory over Mansfield Town
, his first goal for the team. Whalley remained a first-team regular for the rest of the 2006–07 season and retained his place in the starting line-up throughout most of the following season, and scored his first Accrington goal away from the Crown Ground in the 8–2 loss at Peterborough United
on 15 January 2008. Whalley made a total of 51 league appearances for Accrington, scoring 5 goals, but in May 2008, he was one of 10 players released by the club.
side Wrexham
. He scored his first goal for Wrexham on his debut in a 5–0 win over Stevenage. Whalley followed it up with another goal in a 1–1 draw with Rushden & Diamonds
. He scored his third and fourth goals of the month as Wrexham
beat Salisbury City
4–1, which proved to be his last game for that club. He then joined Conference North
side Southport
on loan in February 2009 for the remainder of the 2008–09 season. Whalley made his Southport debut in the 2–0 win over Hyde United at Haig Avenue
. He went on to play 13 league matches for the team as they reached the Conference North play-offs, but they were defeated in the semi-finals by Gateshead
. During the loan spell, Whalley played in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy
, but he could not prevent Southport losing 3–2 on aggregate over two legs against AFC Telford United. In the summer of 2009, he was released by Wrexham along with eight other out-of-contract players.
In August 2009, following his release from Wrexham, Whalley returned to the Conference North to join Droylsden
. Whalley scored his first two goals for the club as Droylsden beat 5–1. He added another goal to his tally, scoring in a 2–0 win over league favourites , before adding another two goals to his name as Droylsden beat Harrogate Town
5–0. He scored two goals in a match for the third time in the season as Droylsden recorded a 5–3 win over Solihull Moors
at the Butcher's Arms Ground
. He won Manchester Premier Cup
winners medal in his one season at Droylsden before he left at the end of the 2009–10 season, having scored a total of 15 goals in 32 league appearances.
on 21 August 2010 after his release from Droylsden
. He made his debut just hours after he signed for the Tigers in a 5–1 home defeat to Alfreton Town. In just his third appearance for Hyde, he was sent off in a 1–0 defeat to Guiseley
. Whalley scored his first goal for Hyde
in a 2–1 home win over Corby Town
.
In early October, while still on the books at Hyde, he was called up to the Football Association XI squad alongside teammate Scott Mooney for a game against Hallam FC
to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Sheffield-based club. Whalley scored his first cup goal for the club in a 4–0 win over in the Manchester Premier Cup
, but less than a week later, he scored an own goal as part of a 3–0 away loss to Blyth Spartans, and was then sent off again for two bookable offences against Vauxhall Motors
Whalley scored his first goal of the new year in a 2–1 victory over local rivals Stalybridge Celtic
. He scored again in the quarter final of the Manchester Premier Cup
against his old club Droylsden
, which proved to be his last for the club.
for the second time in January 2011. He made his debut the following Saturday in a 4–0 win over York City
, scoring Southport's
second and fourth goals. On 1 February, less than a week later, Whalley scored again in a 2–2 draw with Grimsby Town
to take his record to three goals in two games, before being sent off for violent conduct on and later receiving a four match ban. On 26 February after missing the best-part of that month through his suspension, he returned, to start in a 2–1 loss to Bath City
, but he was unable to score a goal. He followed this game up by scoring in his next two, netting in the 3–1 win over Histon
and then by scoring Southport's only goal, in a 4–1 defeat to Eastbourne Borough
. He finished March having scored four goals that month, after adding another two in the latter part, the first in a 4–2 defeat to the hands of Barrow
and the other coming as-part of a 2–2 draw with Rushden & Diamonds
.
He opened his goalscoring account for the 2011–12 season on the opening day as part of a 2–2 draw with Lincoln City
. He scored his second of the season in a 3–2 win over Telford United
.
, manager Liam Watson
said "Shaun will fit right into out style of play and with the players we have here". Whalley's former team-mate Paul Mullin
described him as "an absolute express-train down the wings", and said that he possessed good ability on the ball.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Football Conference
Football Conference
The Football Conference is a football league in England which consists of three divisions called Conference National, Conference North, and Conference South. Some Football Conference clubs are fully professional, such as Luton Town, but most of them are semi-professional...
club Southport
Southport F.C.
Southport Football Club are an English football club, based in Southport, Merseyside. They are currently in the Conference National, and play their home matches at Haig Avenue, which has a capacity of 6,008...
. Born in Prescot
Prescot
Prescot is a town and civil parish, within the Metropolitan Borough of Knowsley in Merseyside, England. It is 8 miles to the east of Liverpool city centre and lies within the historic boundaries of Lancashire. At the 2001 Census, the population was 11,184 .Prescot marks the beginning of the...
, Merseyside
Merseyside
Merseyside is a metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 1,365,900. It encompasses the metropolitan area centred on both banks of the lower reaches of the Mersey Estuary, and comprises five metropolitan boroughs: Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Wirral, and the city of Liverpool...
, he played for Norwich City
Norwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
and Southport
Southport F.C.
Southport Football Club are an English football club, based in Southport, Merseyside. They are currently in the Conference National, and play their home matches at Haig Avenue, which has a capacity of 6,008...
as a youth before making his Football League debut with Chester City
Chester City F.C.
Chester City Football Club was an English football team from Chester. The club was founded as Chester F.C., and joined the Football League in 1931, spending most of their time in the lower divisions. They changed their name to Chester City in 1983. Chester won their first league title in 2004, the...
in 2004.
After leaving Chester, he spent time in non-League football
Non-league football
Non-League football is football in England played at a level below that of the Premier League and The Football League. The term non-League was commonly used well before 1992 when the top football clubs in England all belonged to The Football League; all clubs who were not a part of The Football...
with Runcorn F.C. Halton and Witton Albion
Witton Albion F.C.
Witton Albion F.C. are a football club based in Northwich, England. They were founded in 1887. They have won the Cheshire Senior Cup 11 times since 1902. Their most recent success in this competition was in 2006, when they defeated Stalybridge Celtic in the final. They have also reached the FA Cup...
. While on the books at Witton, he spent five weeks on trial with Football League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
but was not offered a contract, so he signed for League Two
Football League Two
Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Accrington Stanley
Accrington Stanley F.C.
Accrington Stanley is an English association football club from Accrington in Lancashire, in the North West of England, who play in Football League Two, the fourth-highest division in the English football league system....
in 2006. Whalley spent almost two years with the Lancashire club, but following his release in the summer of 2008, he returned to non-League, initially with Wrexham. While at Wrexham, he had a short loan spell with Southport where he helped the team to the Conference North play-offs. He subsequently played at Droylsden
Droylsden F.C.
Droylsden F.C. is an English football club based in Droylsden, near Manchester. As of the 2011–12 season, they play in the Conference North.-History:...
, where he was part of the team that won the Manchester Premier Cup
Manchester Premier Cup
The Manchester Premier Cup is an annual English football knockout tournament involving teams from Greater Manchester, England. It is a County Cup competition of the Manchester Football Association and involves Non-league football clubs, although at least one Football League club has entered the...
in 2010, and Hyde
Hyde F.C.
Hyde F.C. are an English semi-professional football club from Hyde, Greater Manchester, who are nicknamed The Tigers. Formed in 1885 the club changed its name to Hyde United in 1919, before reverting to Hyde F.C. in June 2010...
before joining Southport on a permanent basis in January 2011.
Described as an "express-train down the wings" by former team-mate Paul Mullin
Paul Mullin
Paul Mullin is a former English professional footballer. He is the brother of Accrington player John Mullin.-Career:Born in Bury to Bernard and Mary Mullin, Mullin started his career with Accrington in 1995, making his first-team debut before being released...
, Whalley was called up to the Football Association XI standby squad for a game against Hallam
Hallam F.C.
Hallam Football Club are a football club in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who currently play in the Northern Counties East League Division One...
, the game taking place to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the club. He is the son of the former Presten North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
captain Neil Whalley
Neil Whalley
David Neil Whalley is an English former professional association football player who played as a midfielder. Although most of his career was played in non-league football, he played 50 matches in the Football League for Preston North End....
, who was also a midfielder.
Early life
Whalley was born and raised in PrescotPrescot
Prescot is a town and civil parish, within the Metropolitan Borough of Knowsley in Merseyside, England. It is 8 miles to the east of Liverpool city centre and lies within the historic boundaries of Lancashire. At the 2001 Census, the population was 11,184 .Prescot marks the beginning of the...
, Merseyside
Merseyside
Merseyside is a metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 1,365,900. It encompasses the metropolitan area centred on both banks of the lower reaches of the Mersey Estuary, and comprises five metropolitan boroughs: Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Wirral, and the city of Liverpool...
. As a child, he played football for his local teams until 2001 when he was spotted by Norwich City
Norwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
. He went to play for their academy, where he played for three years before leaving in 2004. He subsequently returned to Merseyside and joined Southport, where he played several reserve-team matches. In the summer of the same year, Whalley turned professional when he signed for Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
side Chester City
Chester City F.C.
Chester City Football Club was an English football team from Chester. The club was founded as Chester F.C., and joined the Football League in 1931, spending most of their time in the lower divisions. They changed their name to Chester City in 1983. Chester won their first league title in 2004, the...
.
Whalley's father, Neil Whalley
Neil Whalley
David Neil Whalley is an English former professional association football player who played as a midfielder. Although most of his career was played in non-league football, he played 50 matches in the Football League for Preston North End....
, was also a professional footballer in the early 1990s. He too played in midfield
Midfield
Midfield is the part of a sports pitch that lies approximately in the center. It is a term most commonly associated with football to refer to the area in and around the center circle, as well as the players who occupy that region, but it can be used in field hockey to describe the same area, or in...
and made more than 50 appearances for Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
, where he was also captain for a period of time.
Early career
With Chester, Whalley played mostly for the youth and reserve teams, but he made his Football League debut for the club in a 0–0 draw with Cambridge UnitedCambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
on 18 September 2004, coming on as a substitute for Darryn Stamp
Darryn Stamp
Darryn Michael Stamp is an English professional footballer who plays for Conference North side Gainsborough Trinity as a striker....
. His debut came just one day after he signed a professional contract with Chester; manager Ian Rush
Ian Rush
Ian James Rush, MBE, is a retired football player from Flint, Wales. He is best remembered as a player for Liverpool, where he was among the top strikers in the English game in the 1980s and 1990s. He also had spells playing at Chester City, Juventus, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Sheffield...
had only included him on the substitutes' bench as a result of injuries to Daryl Clare
Daryl Clare
Daryl Adam Clare is a Jersey-born Irish former professional footballer. He played as a striker. He has previously played for Grimsby Town, Northampton Town, Cheltenham Town, Boston United, Chester City, Crawley Town, Burton Albion, Rushden & Diamonds, Mansfield Town and Gateshead. He has twice won...
and Michael Branch
Michael Branch
Paul Michael Branch is an English professional footballer. His position is striker and his most recent clubs have been Halifax Town and Burscough-Playing career:...
. The following week, he was part of the side that defeated Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday F.C.
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are a football club based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who are currently competing in the Football League One in the 2011-12 season, in England. Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest professional clubs in the world and the fourth oldest in the...
at Hillsborough Stadium
Hillsborough Stadium
Hillsborough Stadium is the home of Sheffield Wednesday football club, Sheffield, England. Football has been played at the ground since it was opened on 2 September 1899, when Wednesday moved from their original ground at Olive Grove. Today it is a 39,812 capacity all-seater stadium, making it the...
in the second round of the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
. Whalley made three further senior appearances for Chester, all as a substitute, before leaving the club in the summer of 2005.
In August of that year, Whalley moved into non-League football
Non-league football
Non-League football is football in England played at a level below that of the Premier League and The Football League. The term non-League was commonly used well before 1992 when the top football clubs in England all belonged to The Football League; all clubs who were not a part of The Football...
with Runcorn as one of several new signings for the Northern Premier League
Northern Premier League
The Northern Premier League, is one of the regional English football leagues which sits directly below the Football Conference featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs. Geographically, the league covers all of Northern England, and the northern areas of the Midlands. Originally just one...
outfit. He made his first appearance for the club in the 1–1 draw with Frickley Athletic
Frickley Athletic F.C.
Frickley Athletic F.C. are a football club based in South Elmsall, in West Yorkshire, England. They were established in 1910 as Frickley Colliery F.C., and changed to their present name in 1974.-History:...
and subsequently established himself as a regular first-team player. Whalley scored his first goal for Runcorn in the 5–1 defeat of his hometown club, Prescot Cables
Prescot Cables F.C.
Prescot Cables F.C. is a football club based in Prescot, Merseyside. It was established in 1884 and has also been known as Prescot and Prescot Town...
and he netted again the following week in the loss to Matlock Town
Matlock Town F.C.
Matlock Town F.C. is an English football club based at Causeway Lane in Matlock, Derbyshire.-History:The club was established in the late 1870s and have competed in the Central Alliance and the Midland Counties League before reaching the Northern Premier League.In the 1974–75 season the club won...
. He went on to play 21 league matches for Runcorn before joining Witton Albion
Witton Albion F.C.
Witton Albion F.C. are a football club based in Northwich, England. They were founded in 1887. They have won the Cheshire Senior Cup 11 times since 1902. Their most recent success in this competition was in 2006, when they defeated Stalybridge Celtic in the final. They have also reached the FA Cup...
in March 2006. During his short spell with the club, he scored 6 goals in 18 league appearances.
Accrington Stanley
In September 2006, while at Witton, Whalley spent five weeks on trial at League OneFootball League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
club Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
, but he was not offered a permanent contract. He subsequently joined League Two
Football League Two
Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Accrington Stanley
Accrington Stanley F.C.
Accrington Stanley is an English association football club from Accrington in Lancashire, in the North West of England, who play in Football League Two, the fourth-highest division in the English football league system....
on loan two months later. Whalley made his debut for the club in the 1–2 defeat to Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
at the Crown Ground. However, two weeks later, he was sent off in the Football League Trophy match against Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers F.C.
Doncaster Rovers Football Club is an English football club, based at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The team currently competes in the Football League Championship, after being promoted via the League One play-offs in 2008, and have remained there since.The club was founded in...
following a high tackle on Theo Streete
Theo Streete
Theo Streete is an English footballer who plays for Alfreton Town.-Career:Born in Birmingham, Streete began his career with Derby County, turning professional in August 2006, but only on a short-term deal. He joined Doncaster Rovers on loan in September 2006, making his league debut for Rovers on...
, although Accrington manager John Coleman felt that the challenge was not deserving of a red card. The subsequent suspension meant that Whalley spent almost a month out of the side before returning in late December in the loss to Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers F.C.
Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city....
. He made his transfer to Accrington permanent in January 2007, signing a two-year contract with the club, and the following week he scored a late winner in the 3–2 victory over Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
, his first goal for the team. Whalley remained a first-team regular for the rest of the 2006–07 season and retained his place in the starting line-up throughout most of the following season, and scored his first Accrington goal away from the Crown Ground in the 8–2 loss at Peterborough United
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
on 15 January 2008. Whalley made a total of 51 league appearances for Accrington, scoring 5 goals, but in May 2008, he was one of 10 players released by the club.
Return to non-League
In June 2008, he moved down a division to join Conference NationalConference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
side Wrexham
Wrexham A.F.C.
Wrexham Football Club are a professional football team based in Wrexham, north-east Wales, who play in the English football pyramid.Founded in 1872, they are one of the oldest surviving football clubs in Britain and the oldest professional club in Wales...
. He scored his first goal for Wrexham on his debut in a 5–0 win over Stevenage. Whalley followed it up with another goal in a 1–1 draw with Rushden & Diamonds
Rushden & Diamonds F.C.
Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of...
. He scored his third and fourth goals of the month as Wrexham
Wrexham A.F.C.
Wrexham Football Club are a professional football team based in Wrexham, north-east Wales, who play in the English football pyramid.Founded in 1872, they are one of the oldest surviving football clubs in Britain and the oldest professional club in Wales...
beat Salisbury City
Salisbury City F.C.
Salisbury City Football Club is an English football club based in Salisbury, Wiltshire currently playing in the Conference South. They were formed in 1947 and play at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium...
4–1, which proved to be his last game for that club. He then joined Conference North
Conference North
The Conference North also known as Blue Square Bet North for sponsorship reasons, is a division of the Football Conference in England, taking its place immediately below the Conference National. Along with Conference South it is at Step 2 of the National League System and the sixth overall tier of...
side Southport
Southport F.C.
Southport Football Club are an English football club, based in Southport, Merseyside. They are currently in the Conference National, and play their home matches at Haig Avenue, which has a capacity of 6,008...
on loan in February 2009 for the remainder of the 2008–09 season. Whalley made his Southport debut in the 2–0 win over Hyde United at Haig Avenue
Haig Avenue
Haig Avenue is a football stadium in Southport, England and is the home ground of Southport F.C.-Location:The ground is situated to the east of Southport just off the A570, the main road to Ormskirk...
. He went on to play 13 league matches for the team as they reached the Conference North play-offs, but they were defeated in the semi-finals by Gateshead
Gateshead F.C.
Gateshead Football Club are a professional Association football club, based in Gateshead, England. They currently play in the Conference National, the fifth level of the English football league system.Ian Bogie is the current manager....
. During the loan spell, Whalley played in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy
FA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
, but he could not prevent Southport losing 3–2 on aggregate over two legs against AFC Telford United. In the summer of 2009, he was released by Wrexham along with eight other out-of-contract players.
In August 2009, following his release from Wrexham, Whalley returned to the Conference North to join Droylsden
Droylsden F.C.
Droylsden F.C. is an English football club based in Droylsden, near Manchester. As of the 2011–12 season, they play in the Conference North.-History:...
. Whalley scored his first two goals for the club as Droylsden beat 5–1. He added another goal to his tally, scoring in a 2–0 win over league favourites , before adding another two goals to his name as Droylsden beat Harrogate Town
Harrogate Town F.C.
Harrogate Town Football Club is an English semi-professional football club based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The club was founded in 1914 and currently competes in the Conference North division of the Football Conference.-History:...
5–0. He scored two goals in a match for the third time in the season as Droylsden recorded a 5–3 win over Solihull Moors
Solihull Moors F.C.
Solihull Moors F.C. is an English football club, founded in 2007 by the merger of Moor Green and Solihull Borough.The club plays its games at Damson Park, Solihull and competes in the Conference North.-History:...
at the Butcher's Arms Ground
Butcher's Arms Ground
Butcher's Arms Ground is a multi-use stadium in Droylsden, Tameside, Greater Manchester, England. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of Droylsden F.C.. The stadium has a capacity of 3,500 people both seated and standing and is nicknamed "The Slaughterhouse" or...
. He won Manchester Premier Cup
Manchester Premier Cup
The Manchester Premier Cup is an annual English football knockout tournament involving teams from Greater Manchester, England. It is a County Cup competition of the Manchester Football Association and involves Non-league football clubs, although at least one Football League club has entered the...
winners medal in his one season at Droylsden before he left at the end of the 2009–10 season, having scored a total of 15 goals in 32 league appearances.
Hyde
Whalley joined HydeHyde F.C.
Hyde F.C. are an English semi-professional football club from Hyde, Greater Manchester, who are nicknamed The Tigers. Formed in 1885 the club changed its name to Hyde United in 1919, before reverting to Hyde F.C. in June 2010...
on 21 August 2010 after his release from Droylsden
Droylsden F.C.
Droylsden F.C. is an English football club based in Droylsden, near Manchester. As of the 2011–12 season, they play in the Conference North.-History:...
. He made his debut just hours after he signed for the Tigers in a 5–1 home defeat to Alfreton Town. In just his third appearance for Hyde, he was sent off in a 1–0 defeat to Guiseley
Guiseley A.F.C.
Guiseley A.F.C. are an English football club from Guiseley, West Yorkshire, England.-History:Founded in 1909 by a local group of enthusiasts, the club’s first success came in 1913 when they won the local Wharfedale League...
. Whalley scored his first goal for Hyde
Hyde F.C.
Hyde F.C. are an English semi-professional football club from Hyde, Greater Manchester, who are nicknamed The Tigers. Formed in 1885 the club changed its name to Hyde United in 1919, before reverting to Hyde F.C. in June 2010...
in a 2–1 home win over Corby Town
Corby Town F.C.
Corby Town F.C. is an English football club based in Corby, Northamptonshire. They will be members of the Conference North for the 2011–12 season. The Steelmen play their home games at the newly built Steel Park, adjacent to their previous ground, Rockingham Triangle Sports Stadium, which is...
.
In early October, while still on the books at Hyde, he was called up to the Football Association XI squad alongside teammate Scott Mooney for a game against Hallam FC
Hallam F.C.
Hallam Football Club are a football club in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who currently play in the Northern Counties East League Division One...
to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Sheffield-based club. Whalley scored his first cup goal for the club in a 4–0 win over in the Manchester Premier Cup
Manchester Premier Cup
The Manchester Premier Cup is an annual English football knockout tournament involving teams from Greater Manchester, England. It is a County Cup competition of the Manchester Football Association and involves Non-league football clubs, although at least one Football League club has entered the...
, but less than a week later, he scored an own goal as part of a 3–0 away loss to Blyth Spartans, and was then sent off again for two bookable offences against Vauxhall Motors
Vauxhall Motors F.C.
Vauxhall Motors Football Club is an English football club based in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, who play in the Conference North. It was originally the works team of the car manufacturer Vauxhall...
Whalley scored his first goal of the new year in a 2–1 victory over local rivals Stalybridge Celtic
Stalybridge Celtic F.C.
Stalybridge Celtic are an English full time professional football club from Stalybridge, Greater Manchester in North West England. The club, which plays its home matches at Bower Fold, is currently in the Conference North in the sixth tier of the English football league system...
. He scored again in the quarter final of the Manchester Premier Cup
Manchester Premier Cup
The Manchester Premier Cup is an annual English football knockout tournament involving teams from Greater Manchester, England. It is a County Cup competition of the Manchester Football Association and involves Non-league football clubs, although at least one Football League club has entered the...
against his old club Droylsden
Droylsden F.C.
Droylsden F.C. is an English football club based in Droylsden, near Manchester. As of the 2011–12 season, they play in the Conference North.-History:...
, which proved to be his last for the club.
Southport
Whalley was released by Hyde in order to join SouthportSouthport F.C.
Southport Football Club are an English football club, based in Southport, Merseyside. They are currently in the Conference National, and play their home matches at Haig Avenue, which has a capacity of 6,008...
for the second time in January 2011. He made his debut the following Saturday in a 4–0 win over York City
York City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
, scoring Southport's
Southport F.C.
Southport Football Club are an English football club, based in Southport, Merseyside. They are currently in the Conference National, and play their home matches at Haig Avenue, which has a capacity of 6,008...
second and fourth goals. On 1 February, less than a week later, Whalley scored again in a 2–2 draw with Grimsby Town
Grimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
to take his record to three goals in two games, before being sent off for violent conduct on and later receiving a four match ban. On 26 February after missing the best-part of that month through his suspension, he returned, to start in a 2–1 loss to Bath City
Bath City F.C.
Bath City Football Club are a semi-professional football club based in Bath, Somerset. They play in the Conference National league after gaining promotion from the Conference South via the play-offs in May 2010...
, but he was unable to score a goal. He followed this game up by scoring in his next two, netting in the 3–1 win over Histon
Histon F.C.
Histon Football Club is an English football club based in the twin villages of Histon and Impington, approximately north of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. From the 2007–08 season they competed in the Conference National, the highest level that the club has ever reached in the English football league...
and then by scoring Southport's only goal, in a 4–1 defeat to Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough F.C.
Eastbourne Borough are a semi-professional English football club, based in the town of Eastbourne, East Sussex, and are members of the Conference South. They are known as The Sports after their previous name as Langney Sports. Eastbourne Borough play their home matches at Priory Lane in Langney...
. He finished March having scored four goals that month, after adding another two in the latter part, the first in a 4–2 defeat to the hands of Barrow
Barrow A.F.C.
Barrow A.F.C. are an English football club founded in 1901 based in the town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. Following promotion at the end of the 2007–08 season, they currently play in the Conference National. The club spent over fifty years in the Football League between 1921 and 1972, and have...
and the other coming as-part of a 2–2 draw with Rushden & Diamonds
Rushden & Diamonds F.C.
Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of...
.
He opened his goalscoring account for the 2011–12 season on the opening day as part of a 2–2 draw with Lincoln City
Lincoln City F.C.
Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League....
. He scored his second of the season in a 3–2 win over Telford United
A.F.C. Telford United
A.F.C. Telford United are an English football club based in Telford, Shropshire, playing in the Conference National league at the fifth level of the English football pyramid. The club plays its home matches in Wellington, which forms part of the new town of Telford...
.
Style of play
Whalley is a winger but can also play as a striker. On his arrival at SouthportSouthport F.C.
Southport Football Club are an English football club, based in Southport, Merseyside. They are currently in the Conference National, and play their home matches at Haig Avenue, which has a capacity of 6,008...
, manager Liam Watson
Liam Watson
Liam Watson is a Grammy Award-winning British record producer and owner of Toe Rag Studios. Watson is perhaps best known for his work engineering and mixing the White Stripes' Elephant, receiving the 2004 Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album...
said "Shaun will fit right into out style of play and with the players we have here". Whalley's former team-mate Paul Mullin
Paul Mullin
Paul Mullin is a former English professional footballer. He is the brother of Accrington player John Mullin.-Career:Born in Bury to Bernard and Mary Mullin, Mullin started his career with Accrington in 1995, making his first-team debut before being released...
described him as "an absolute express-train down the wings", and said that he possessed good ability on the ball.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Chester City Chester City F.C. Chester City Football Club was an English football team from Chester. The club was founded as Chester F.C., and joined the Football League in 1931, spending most of their time in the lower divisions. They changed their name to Chester City in 1983. Chester won their first league title in 2004, the... |
2004–05 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Runcorn | 2005–06 | 21 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 3 |
| Witton Albion Witton Albion F.C. Witton Albion F.C. are a football club based in Northwich, England. They were founded in 1887. They have won the Cheshire Senior Cup 11 times since 1902. Their most recent success in this competition was in 2006, when they defeated Stalybridge Celtic in the final. They have also reached the FA Cup... |
2005–06 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 4 |
| 2006–07 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | |
| Total | 18 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 6 | |
| Accrington Stanley Accrington Stanley F.C. Accrington Stanley is an English association football club from Accrington in Lancashire, in the North West of England, who play in Football League Two, the fourth-highest division in the English football league system.... |
2006–07 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 2 |
| 2007–08 | 31 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 34 | 3 | |
| Total | 51 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 55 | 5 | |
| Wrexham | 2008–09 2008–09 in English football The 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while... |
16 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 4 |
| Southport Southport F.C. Southport Football Club are an English football club, based in Southport, Merseyside. They are currently in the Conference National, and play their home matches at Haig Avenue, which has a capacity of 6,008... (loan) |
2008–09 2008–09 in English football The 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while... |
14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| Droylsden Droylsden F.C. Droylsden F.C. is an English football club based in Droylsden, near Manchester. As of the 2011–12 season, they play in the Conference North.-History:... |
2009–10 2009–10 in English football The 2009–10 season was the 130th season of competitive football in England.The season began on 8 August 2009 for the Championship, League One and League Two and 15 August 2009 for the Premier League... |
32 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 35 | 19 |
| Hyde Hyde F.C. Hyde F.C. are an English semi-professional football club from Hyde, Greater Manchester, who are nicknamed The Tigers. Formed in 1885 the club changed its name to Hyde United in 1919, before reverting to Hyde F.C. in June 2010... |
2010–11 2010–11 in English football The 2010–11 season was the 131st season of competitive football in England.The season began on 6 August 2010 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier League and Football Conference both starting eight days later on 14 August 2010. The Championship, League One, and League Two ended on 7 May... |
16 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 22 | 5 |
| Southport Southport F.C. Southport Football Club are an English football club, based in Southport, Merseyside. They are currently in the Conference National, and play their home matches at Haig Avenue, which has a capacity of 6,008... |
2010–11 2010–11 in English football The 2010–11 season was the 131st season of competitive football in England.The season began on 6 August 2010 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier League and Football Conference both starting eight days later on 14 August 2010. The Championship, League One, and League Two ended on 7 May... |
17 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 8 |
| 2011–12 2011–12 in English football The 2011–12 season is the 132nd season of competitive football in England.The season began on 5 August 2011 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier starting eight days later, League Football Conference Starting one day before Premier League starts.The Championship, League One, and League Two... |
11 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 | |
| Total | 28 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 11 | |
| Career totals | 190 | 45 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 5 | 213 | 52 | |
External links
- Shaun Whalley player stats at hydefc.co.uk