On September 23, 2023 Rory Whittaker wrote his name into the Hibernian FC history books, becoming the Club’s youngest-ever player – aged 16 years old and 44 days.
Rory broke the record previously set by Jamie McCluskey in 2004, and was formerly owned by Hibs legend Jimmy O’Rourke – who made his debut in December 1962 and held the honour for 42 years.
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Whittaker – who was relatively unknown by the majority of Hibs supporters – came on to play his part in Nick Montgomery’s first win as Hibs boss, and is an early indicator of our new Head Coach’s approach to developing the Club with a focus on giving opportunities to young players.
Since then, Whittaker’s Under-18 teammate – Josh Landers – has gone on to make his First Team debut for the Club, with Rory continuing to kick on, making several more appearances off the bench and his first start for the Club in a 2-2 draw away at St Mirren in November.
Looking back on what has been a whirlwind few months, Rory sat down with HQ Magazine to explain how he went from ball-boy to debutant in the space of a month.
“Everything has happened pretty quickly, to be honest.
“In August, the previous Manager (Lee Johnson) had got the Academy lads involved for the European games to be the ball boys and we all had specific roles.
"When I was doing that, I didn’t think I would be actually on the pitch making my debut a month later. It is crazy to think of, it is mad that I went from being a ball boy one moment and then on the pitch the next.
"In September, the new Gaffer had just arrived at the Club and he came to watch our U18s game away at Rangers with his coaching staff. I ended up having one of my best games, from both a defensive and attacking perspective.
“We had another game the next week for the Development Squad and Gareth Evans called me to let me know that I wouldn’t be involved in that and that I was to report for First Team training instead.
“I was a bit nervous going into that first training session but it was more a feeling of excitement, to be honest. Throughout my career, I have always played up in older age groups and I was just buzzing just to be out on the pitch with these guys who you have watched growing up.
“I ended up training with the First Team that whole week before St Johnstone.”
A born and bred Hibee, Rory admits it was a surreal experience to be sharing the pitch with some of his childhood heroes at this early stage of his career.
“I have always been a Hibs fan”, Rory continues.
“I watched the Scottish Cup Final on the TV, because it was impossible to get a ticket, but I was at the parade when I was 9 years old which was a fantastic celebration.
“There were quite a few players that I grew up watching, obviously Lewis Stevenson who I am playing with now – that still feels mad to even be saying that.
“He is a fullback and had a similar style of play to me, and of course David Gray. I look up to him a lot and I remember trying to recreate his goals and that Scottish Cup Final celebration in the garden with my brother.
“John McGinn is the other one, I really liked the way he played – I have played several positions growing up; right-back, centre-mid, right-midfield so I have always had a few ‘favourite players’ who I base my game around in different positions.”
Fast forward a few years and Rory was lined up alongside Lewis Stevenson on the touchline at Easter Road about to make his First Team debut for his boyhood Club.
“There was so much excitement in the days leading up to it. I knew I had a chance of being involved, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up too much..."
