Former Arbroath captain Mark Whatley is set to join Angus rivals Montrose after leaving the Gayfield side.
Whatley has ended his seven-year spell at Arbroath after helping them secure their third successive season in the Championship.
He has led Dick Campbell’s men to two titles – League Two in 2017 and League One in 2019 – and scored 7 goals in 241 appearances since joining the Red Lichties from Spartans in 2014.
However, after seeing his game time severely limited last season with just three starts, Whatley has decided his future lies elsewhere and is believed to be on the brink of moving to Links Park.
Montrose are currently bidding to join Angus neighbours Arbroath in Scottish football’s second tier as they take on Morton in the Championship play-off.
Best wishes
And the capture of experienced midfielder Whatley, 30, will significantly bolster their ranks for the new term.
“Mark is an Arbroath legend and history-maker,” said Arbroath chairman Mike Caird. “He will always be welcome back at Gayfield.”
Thank you Mark Whatley
For 7 seasons we have been extremely fortunate to have midfielder @_MarkWhatley at our football club. Signed by Paul Sheerin in June 2015 from Spartans, Mark made an instant impact at the club.
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Thank you; https://t.co/QxT9vO2uBT pic.twitter.com/Gd2S3ith03
— Arbroath FC (@ArbroathFC) May 10, 2021
“Mark will leave Arbroath with my very best wishes,” said Arbroath manager Dick Campbell. “He has been a fantastic servant to the club for seven years.
“You always know what you are going to get when you pick Mark. He’s always going to give everything he’s got and he has led us to a lot of success.”
Whatley is not the only departure from Gayfield with striker Kris Doolan and back-up keeper Scott Gallacher both moving on.
Doolan, 34, netted three goals in 25 appearances for Red Lichties last term but as he runs a successful football academy in Ayrshire, he’s decided not to stay on at the Angus club.
Gallacher failed to make the breakthrough ahead of Arbroath keeper Derek Gaston – who has penned a new one-year deal.
“I’ve called every player at the club to thank them for their efforts,” added Campbell. “That includes our loan players and those who are leaving.
“I’ll really miss having Kris around the club. He is the ultimate professional and has played a key role in developing our younger players.”
Thank you Kris Doolan
We have been honoured to have Kris at the club for the past season. His experience, knowledge and professionalism has made him a real asset on the pitch and in the dressing room.
Wishing you all the very best Dools!
Thank you – https://t.co/zErFGLjkn8 pic.twitter.com/52x82moQr8
— Arbroath FC (@ArbroathFC) May 10, 2021
Arbroath have already started their summer rebuilding programme with the signing of former Dundee and Aberdeen star Nicky Low on a two-year deal.
Low impressed during a short loan spell from East Stirlingshire, helping Arbroath to safety with just one defeat in five starts.
