Whitley was a product of the Manchester City youth scheme[1] which he joined as a ten-year-old and began his club career as a trainee in 1996, making over 120 league and cup appearances for the first-team.
[3] He had a three-month loan spell at Notts County in the 2002–03 season, returning to Manchester City in January 2003[4] but was released by the club in March 2003 as he did not feature in manager Kevin Keegan's plans.
In the play-off semi final against Crystal Palace, Whitley attempted a Panenka during the penalty shootout which was saved.
[16] Cardiff made him available for transfer but he did not take up offers to talk with Millwall and Rotherham[16] and joined Wrexham in February 2007 on loan for the remainder of the 2006–07 season.
[20] He joined Northern Premier League Division One North side Woodley Sports in an effort to gain match fitness, before signing for Northwich Victoria on 7 March 2009.