[1][2] Wharton became chairman of Scunthorpe United at the start of the 2001–02 season replacing his father Jack in the role.
He re-instated Laws again in 2012, but stood down as chairman and withdrew from the board at the end of the 2012–13 season for health reasons.
[5] Under his tenure, the club had a reputation for punching above their weight, as well as developing young players and selling them on for big fees including Billy Sharp, Andy Keogh and Gary Hooper.
In an interview with The Athletic, Adkins said: “When I was manager, the chairman was great — Mr Wharton, you’ve got to give him credit.
This family business of shipping and freight transport was founded by his grandfather Joseph but its sale was announced in 2005.
[10] In 2012, Wharton spoke of how his son had suffered ME for the past 13 years, and despite being a fanatic shareholder in Scunthorpe United, he would not be able to take over ownership of the club.