In November 2007 a 3–0 defeat at Hull saw the dismissal of manager Paul Simpson and, under his replacement Alan Irvine, Whaley was given a new lease of life as he switched to the left hand side to accommodate Chris Sedgwick's return on the right.

This steadied Preston's defensive frailties and gave Whaley free rein as an out and out left winger leading to winning goals against Burnley and Scunthorpe in the league and in a 1–4 victory over Premiership Derby in the FA Cup.

With the score 0–0 in the second half, Whaley ripping Portsmouth left back Glenn Johnson to shreds and Preston very much on top of their Premier League visitors, the home side were awarded a penalty.

As regular and almost faultless penalty taker Callum Davidson spoke with deputy Neil Mellor, Whaley picked up the ball and placed it on the spot amidst protests from a number of his teammates.

[11] After a second month with Rochdale,[12] Whaley moved on to Bradford City, on loan until 2 January 2010,[13] making his debut on 21 November as a second-half substitute, replacing Scott Neilson in a 1–1 draw with AFC Bournemouth.

Whaley joined Northern Premier League side Chorley in August 2011,[20] later opting to retire from playing in December 2011,[21] due to a recurring knee injury and now intends to move into coaching.