However, Whitworth did not play again for Manchester United and was shipped out on loan to four clubs before he and Colin McKee were sold to Kilmarnock for a combined fee of £350,000 in September 1994.

Whitworth first went on loan to Preston North End for a month in January 1992, playing six games for the Lancashire club.

In 1997, Whitworth suffered a nasty bout of tuberculosis, and struggled to hold down a first-team place after his recovery.

He stayed at Boothferry Park for two seasons, but only made 28 appearances in that time, before moving on to Exeter City.

He was signed by Southport in August 2003, and formed a vital part of their defensive unit, despite attracting criticism from some quarters for his lack of aerial prowess.