York City stopper Ryan's relishing loan switch to Scarborough Athletic

Goalkeeper Ryan Whitley is relishing the chance to get more first team experience under his belt during his loan stay with Scarborough Athletic.
Boro's on loan goalkeeper Ryan WhitleyBoro's on loan goalkeeper Ryan Whitley
Boro's on loan goalkeeper Ryan Whitley

The York City keeper, who has previously enjoyed loan spells with Whitby Town and more recently South Shields, has impressed in his short stint with Athletic to date.

Whitley has kept three clean sheets in his three competitive matches against Atherton Collieries, FC United of Manchester and Stalybridge Celtic and admits he’s relishing the chance to impress at Boro.

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“My aim is to play as many games as possible and hopefully be up and around the top of the league,” Whitley said.

“My loan is until January but if I’m playing well I do hope to extend it to the end of the season.

“I’ve found it really good so far, all the lads are really nice and made me feel welcomed and we’ve played really well the first three games with getting seven points and three clean sheets, so hopefully it continues.

“As a keeper all I want to do is get a clean-sheet, even 3-0 at Stalybridge with a minute to go I was still barking at the defence to make sure we hold onto it.”

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Whitley admits he can’t wait to play in front of Boro’s fans at the Flamingo Land Stadium, with fixtures against Nantwich and Whitby Town in the space of four days coming up.

He added: “I can’t wait to play in front of the fans, when I played for York against Scarborough the other year I could tell they are passionate fans and care about the club, so it will be really nice to get in front off them.

“Hopefully I won’t get the same stuff shouted at me the last time I played in front of them.”

Whitley admits he jumped at the chance to join Boro and manager Darren Kelly, who he has worked with previously.

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“When Tommy (Taylor) left I told my keeper coach and he got on the phone straight away with Darren,” added Whitley.

“I’ve known Darren since I was about 15 so it all fell into place nicely.

“Darren was Under-16s coach at York when I joined so I played under him a bit, and I’ve enjoyed it so far with him.

“Hu puts no pressure on me and just lets me get on with my game and concentrate.

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“I’m over the moon to be out on loan, ideally I want to be York’s number one in the future, but I need game time so I can improve and develop.”

Whitley looks back on his loan spell with Boro’s rivals Whitby fondly and is looking forward to experiencing the East Coast derby.

He added: “That was my first taste of men’s football and it showed me that it’s a lot more physical.

“Playing at 18 was massive as it showed me where I needed to be and so I knew what to expect when I got another chance to go out on loan.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the game and hopefully getting a win over our local rivals.”