New-look Whitby Town prepare for tough opener at Leek

The trip to Staffordshire is the first of eight games in August for the Seasiders, who host Guiseley on Tuesday August 11, followed by the visit of Ilkeston a week on Saturday.

The loss at Leek in the NPL Premier towards the end of last season is still fresh in the memory of assistant manager Denny Ingram. Whitby were 1-0 up at the break after a great opening 45 minutes as they battled to escape the relegation zone but ended up losing 3-2 to take their battle to the final day, where a 0-0 home draw with Cleethorpes kept them up.

Many players have left Whitby after the end of last season, including long-serving keeper Shane Bland, Harley Dawson, Leyton Watts, Sam Collins, Aaron Haswell, Jarrett Rivers and Connor Smith, meaning the Town fans have seen plenty of new faces during the pre-season matches.

Ingram, talking after Saturday’s Mickey Skinner Memorial Trophy penalty shootout win against Guisborough, said: “Leek last time was a great first-half performance, we got ourselves into a great position and we came out and were completely the reverse, and the one thing that we have got to do is to make sure that we go there next week and we play for the full 90 minutes.

"If they play like that and they battle for each other like they have done today then you’ll see where we go.

"We are under no illusions we are not going to be the flying force in this league by Saturday. But what we will do we will go, we will work hard, we will stick together and they’re a great, honest bunch of lads. I’m sure we’ll have more positive than negative results.

"We were in a very difficult position at the start of pre-season, we had to have a full re-build, like Sam (Kay) just said in there this is a team put together six weeks ago. They’ve got quality and they’ve got to believe in it and I’m sure once everything starts clicking we’ll be positive.”

The re-build continued this week as Town signed Joey Phuthi, 21, after the Zimbabwe international impressed during a pre-season trial.

Capable of playing as a winger, wing-back or full-back, he moved to England at a young age, rising through Sheffield Wednesday's academy system before signing a first pro contract with the Owls in 2023.

His performances have also been recognised on the international stage, with Phuthi making his senior debut for Zimbabwe in 2024.

Whitby manager Lee Bullock moved to secure the youngster's signature after being impressed by his attitude and ability during pre-season, adding further depth and versatility to his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Phuthi becomes the latest addition to the Seasiders' ranks as preparations continue for the start of the 2026/27 season, with supporters having already seen glimpses of his pace and attacking qualities during the club's summer fixtures.

The former Sheffield Wednesday academy graduate will now look to establish himself in Whitby's first team and help the club build momentum heading into the new season.