Shaun Whalley
{{Short description|English association football player (born 1987)}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Shaun Whalley
| image = Shaun Whalley v Harrogate.jpg
| image_size = 200
| caption = Whalley with Hyde
| fullname = Shaun James Whalley{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/image/201920/general-news/efl-squad-numbering-06.09.2019.pdf |title=Notification of shirt numbers: Shrewsbury Town |publisher=English Football League |page=66 |access-date=27 October 2019}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1987|8|7|df=y}}{{cite news |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=39596|title=Shaun Whalley|work=Soccerbase|date=23 October 2010 |access-date=23 October 2010}}
| birth_place = Prescot, Merseyside, England
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=9}}
| currentclub = Accrington Stanley
| clubnumber = 7
| youthyears1 = 2001–2004
| youthclubs1 = Norwich City
| youthyears2 = 2004
| youthclubs2 = Southport
| years1 = 2004–2005
| years2 = 2005–2006
| years3 = 2006–2007
| years4 = 2006–2007
| years5 = 2007–2008
| years6 = 2008–2009
| years7 = 2009
| years8 = 2009–2010
| years9 = 2010–2011
| years10 = 2011–2013
| years11 = 2013–2015
| years12 = 2014
| years13 = 2015–2022
| years14 = 2022–
| clubs1 = Chester City
| clubs2 = Runcorn
| clubs3 = Witton Albion
| clubs4 = → Accrington Stanley (loan)
| clubs5 = Accrington Stanley
| clubs6 = Wrexham
| clubs7 = → Southport (loan)
| clubs8 = Droylsden
| clubs9 = Hyde
| clubs10 = Southport
| clubs11 = Luton Town
| clubs12 = → AFC Telford United (loan)
| clubs13 = Shrewsbury Town
| clubs14 = Accrington Stanley
| caps1 = 3
| goals1 = 0
| caps2 = 21
| goals2 = 3
| caps3 = 18
| goals3 = 6
| caps4 = 6
| goals4 = 0
| caps5 = 45
| goals5 = 5
| caps6 = 16
| goals6 = 4
| caps7 = 14
| goals7 = 0
| caps8 = 32
| goals8 = 15
| caps9 = 16
| goals9 = 3
| caps10 = 101
| goals10 = 27
| caps11 = 34
| goals11 = 4
| caps12 = 18
| goals12 = 5
| caps13 = 214
| goals13 = 40
| caps14 = 89
| goals14 = 12
| club-update = 19:14, 22 October 2024 (UTC)
}}
Shaun James Whalley (born 7 August 1987) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for {{English football updater|AccringS}} club Accrington Stanley. Born in Prescot, Merseyside, Whalley played for Norwich City and Southport as a youth before making his Football League debut with Chester City in 2004.
After leaving Chester, he spent time in non-League football with Runcorn F.C. Halton and Witton Albion. While on the books at Witton, he spent five weeks on trial with Football League One side Crewe Alexandra but was not offered a contract, so he signed for League Two side Accrington Stanley in 2006. Whalley spent almost two years with the Lancashire club, but following his release in the summer of 2008, he returned to non-League, initially with Wrexham. While at Wrexham, he had a short loan spell with Southport where he helped the team to the Conference North play-offs. He subsequently played at Droylsden, where he was part of the team that won the Manchester Premier Cup in 2010, and Hyde before joining Southport again on a permanent basis in January 2011. He was signed by Luton Town in the summer of 2013 for an undisclosed fee, and joined AFC Telford United on loan in 2014. Both Luton and Telford won their respective leagues during the 2013–14 season, making Whalley a winner of both the Conference Premier and the Conference North in the same season. He left Luton in May 2015, later joining Shrewsbury.
Described as an "express-train down the wings" by former teammate Paul Mullin, Whalley was called up to the Football Association XI standby squad for a game against Hallam, the game taking place to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the club. He is the son of the former Preston North End captain Neil Whalley, who was also a midfielder.
Early and personal life
Whalley was born in Prescot, Merseyside but raised in Widnes. Growing up, Whalley was an avid fan of Liverpool.{{cite news | url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/football/shrewsbury-town-fc/2020/02/03/shaun-whalley-cannot-wait-for-shrewsbury-towns-fa-cup-replay-at-liverpool/ | title= Shaun Whalley cannot wait for Shrewsbury Town's FA Cup replay at Liverpool | access-date=6 January 2020 | date=4 January 2020 | last=Edwards |first=Joe |work=Shropshire Star}} As a child, he played football for his local teams until 2001 when he was spotted by Norwich City. He went to play for their academy,{{cite web | url=http://www.bluesqfootball.com/story/0,20970,13041_6700198,00.html | title=Whalley set for Premier move | access-date=31 January 2011 | date=26 January 2011 | publisher=Blue Square North | archive-date=12 March 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312165054/http://www.bluesqfootball.com/story/0,20970,13041_6700198,00.html | url-status=dead }} where he played for three years before leaving in 2004. He subsequently returned to Merseyside and joined Southport, where he played several reserve-team matches.{{cite web|url=http://www.southportfootballclub.co.uk/home/player.php?id=1694&type=11|title=Player profile: Shaun Whalley|publisher=Southport FC|access-date=12 February 2011}} In the summer of the same year, Whalley turned professional when he signed for Football League side Chester City.{{cite news|url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10311~31633,00.html|title=Shaun Whalley – Wrexham AFC|work=wrexhamafc.co.uk|date=1 December 2010 |access-date=1 December 2010}}
Whalley's father, Neil Whalley, was also a professional footballer in the early 1990s. He too played in midfield and made more than 50 appearances for Preston North End, where he was also captain for a period of time.
Whalley married his partner Jessica in 2018, and they have a son. He has stated that he has had problems with alcohol and gambling, but has moderated his use of both.{{cite news |last1=Turton |first1=Ste |title=Shaun Whalley: Football Focused |url=https://themindmap.co.uk/interviews/shaun-whalley-football-focused/ |access-date=2 May 2019 |publisher=The Mind Map}}
Career
=Early career=
With Chester, Whalley played mostly for the youth and reserve teams, but he made his Football League debut for the club in a 0–0 draw with Cambridge United on 18 September 2004, coming on as a substitute for Darryn Stamp. His debut came just one day after he signed a professional contract with Chester; manager Ian Rush had only included him on the substitutes' bench as a result of injuries to Daryl Clare and Michael Branch.{{cite news|newspaper=Liverpool Daily Post|title=Teen thrown into action as Chester make a point|author=Turner, Neil|date=20 September 2004|location=Liverpool}} The following week, he was part of the side that defeated Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough Stadium in the second round of the Football League Trophy.{{cite news|newspaper=Liverpool Echo|location=Liverpool|title=Chester fight back to silence Owls|date=30 September 2004|author=Turner, Neil}} Whalley made three further senior appearances for Chester, all as a substitute, before leaving the club in the summer of 2005.{{cite web | url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10311~31633,00.html | title=Shaun Whalley profile | access-date=16 March 2011 | work=wrexhamafc.co.uk}}
In August of that year, Whalley moved into non-League football with Runcorn as one of several new signings for the Northern Premier League outfit.{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=28742|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002101238/http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=28742|url-status=usurped|archive-date=2 October 2012|title=Whole host of newcomers for Linnets|publisher=Non-League Daily|date=5 August 2005|access-date=7 February 2011}} He made his first appearance for the club in the 1–1 draw with Frickley Athletic and subsequently established himself as a regular first-team player.{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerfactsuk.co.uk/s2005/player_details.php?playerid=4070|title=Shaun Whalley appearances 2005–06|publisher=Soccer Facts UK|access-date=7 February 2011}} Whalley scored his first goal for Runcorn in the 5–1 defeat of his hometown club, Prescot Cables and he netted again the following week in the loss to Matlock Town. He went on to play 21 league matches for Runcorn before joining Witton Albion in March 2006. During his short spell with the club, he scored 6 goals in 18 league appearances.{{cite web | url=http://www.soccerfactsuk.co.uk/s2005/player_details.php?playerid=4070 | title=Shaun Whalley 2005–06 | access-date=21 March 2011 | publisher=SoccerFactsUK}}
=Accrington Stanley=
In September 2006, while at Witton, Whalley spent five weeks on trial at League One club Crewe Alexandra,{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=37430|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714192103/http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=37430|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 July 2011|title=Crewe chance for Whalley|date=21 September 2006|publisher=Non-League Daily|access-date=10 February 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/1016932.shauns_hoping_to_get_back_on_track/|title=Shaun's hoping to get back on track|newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph|date=11 November 2006|access-date=10 February 2011|author=Geldard, Suzanne}} but he was not offered a permanent contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~928041,00.html|title=Alex would not be rushed over Whalley|date=16 November 2006|publisher=Crewe Alexandra FC|access-date=10 February 2011}} He subsequently joined League Two side Accrington Stanley on loan two months later.{{cite news | url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11736_2395095,00.html | title=Stanley beat Crewe to winger | access-date=31 January 2011 | publisher=Sky Sports | date = 9 November 2006 | author = Buckingham, Mark}} Whalley made his debut for the club in the 1–2 defeat to Hartlepool United at the Crown Ground. However, two weeks later, he was sent off in the Football League Trophy match against Doncaster Rovers following a high tackle on Theo Streete, although Accrington manager John Coleman felt that the challenge was not deserving of a red card.{{cite news|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/1047909.Coleman_buoyed_despite_defeat/|title=Coleman buoyed despite defeat|date=29 November 2006|access-date=10 February 2011|newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph}} The subsequent suspension meant that Whalley spent almost a month out of the side before returning in late December in the loss to Bristol Rovers.{{cite web | url=http://www.football.co.uk/match_reports/accrington_stanley_bristol_rovers_3033147.shtml | title=Bristol Rovers 4–0 Accrington Stanley | access-date=22 March 2011 | publisher=football.co.uk}} He made his transfer to Accrington permanent in January 2007, signing a two-year contract with the club,{{cite news|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/1113206.Winger_signs_two_year_deal/|title=Winger signs two-year deal|newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph|author=Gibbon, Gavin|date=10 January 2007|access-date=10 February 2011}} and the following week he scored a late winner in the 3–2 victory over Mansfield Town, his first goal for the team.{{cite news |url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/1127700.Accrington_Stanley_3_Mansfield_Town_2/|title=Accrington Stanley 3 Mansfield Town 2|newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph|date=17 January 2007 |access-date=10 February 2011}} Whalley remained a first-team regular for the rest of the 2006–07 season and retained his place in the starting line-up throughout most of the following season, and scored his first Accrington goal away from the Crown Ground in the 8–2 loss at Peterborough United on 15 January 2008.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7184768.stm | title=Peterborough 8–2 Accrington | access-date=22 March 2011 | date=15 January 2008 |work=BBC Sport}} Whalley made a total of 51 league appearances for Accrington, scoring 5 goals, but in May 2008, he was one of 10 players released by the club.{{cite news | url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11750_3530387,00.html | title=Big Changes for Stanley | access-date=31 January 2011 | publisher=Sky Sports | date=6 May 2008}}
=Return to non-League=
In June 2008, he moved down a division to join Conference Premier side Wrexham.{{cite news |url=http://www.wrexhamchronicle.co.uk/wrexham-fc/wrexham-fc-news/2008/06/18/wrexham-fc-sign-attacking-midfielder-shaun-whalley-88713-21136524/ |title=Wrexham FC sign attacking midfielder Shaun Whalley |date=18 June 2008 |work=Wrexham Chronicle |access-date=18 August 2009}} He scored his first goal for Wrexham on his debut in a 5–0 win over Stevenage.{{cite web | url=http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=562028 | title=Wrexham 5–0 Stevenage | access-date=31 January 2011 | publisher=Soccerbase}} Whalley followed it up with another goal in a 1–1 draw with Rushden & Diamonds.{{cite web | url=http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=575869 | title=Rushden 1–1 Wrexham | access-date=31 January 2011 | publisher=Soccerbase}} He scored his third and fourth goals of the month as Wrexham beat Salisbury City 4–1,{{cite web | url=http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=566248 | title=Salisbury 1–4 Wrexham | access-date=31 January 2011 | publisher=Soccerbase}} which proved to be his last game for that club. He then joined Conference North side Southport on loan in February 2009 for the remainder of the 2008–09 season.{{cite web |url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10311~1543228,00.html |title=Whalley Joins Southport on Loan |publisher=Wrexham F.C |date=2 February 2009 |access-date=18 August 2009}} Whalley made his Southport debut in the 2–0 win over Hyde United at Haig Avenue.{{cite web|url=http://www.southportfootballclub.co.uk/home/player.php?id=1694&season_id_page=82&season_name_page=2008/2009|title=Shaun Whalley Southport appearances 2008–09|publisher=Southport FC|access-date=12 February 2011}} He went on to play 13 league matches for the team as they reached the Conference North play-offs, but they were defeated in the semi-finals by Gateshead.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8025973.stm | title=Southport 0–1 Gateshead | access-date=22 March 2011 | date=29 April 2009 |work=BBC Sport}} During the loan spell, Whalley played in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy, but he could not prevent Southport losing 3–2 on aggregate over two legs against AFC Telford United. In the summer of 2009, he was released by Wrexham along with eight other out-of-contract players.{{cite news |url=http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?&newsmode=FULL&nid=58527 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922191120/http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?&newsmode=FULL&nid=58527 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=22 September 2012 |title=Saunders Resigned To Losing Frenchman |work=Non League Daily |date=16 June 2009 |access-date=18 August 2009}}
In August 2009, following his release from Wrexham, Whalley returned to the Conference North to join Droylsden.{{cite web |url=http://www.droylsdenfc.com/default.asp?nc=4577&id=100 |title=News & Announcements |publisher=Droylsden F.C |access-date=18 August 2009}} Whalley scored his first two goals for the club as Droylsden beat Northwich Victoria 5–1.{{cite web | url=http://www.droylsdenfc.co.uk/zarc0910report6northwichhome.php | title=Droylsden 5–1 Northwich Victoria | access-date=31 January 2011 | date=17 August 2009 | publisher=droylsdenfc.co.uk}} He added another goal to his tally, scoring in a 2–0 win over league favourites Fleetwood Town,{{cite web | url=http://www.droylsdenfc.co.uk/zarc0910report8fleetwoodhome.php | title=DROYLSDEN 2 – 0 FLEETWOOD TOWN | access-date=31 January 2011 | date=7 September 2009 | publisher=droylsdenfc.co.uk}} before adding another two goals to his name as Droylsden beat Harrogate Town 5–0.{{cite web | url=http://www.droylsdenfc.co.uk/zarc0910report11harrogatehome.php | title=DROYLSDEN 5–0 HARROGATE TOWN | access-date=31 January 2011 | date=7 September 2009 | publisher=droylsdenfc.co.uk}} He scored two goals in a match for the third time in the season as Droylsden recorded a 5–3 win over Solihull Moors at the Butcher's Arms Ground. He won Manchester Premier Cup winners medal in his one season at Droylsden{{cite web | url=http://www.manchesterfa.com/FixturesAndResults/CountyCups/ManchesterPremierCup/Archive/2009-2010/?tab=results&js=1 | title=Manchester Premier Cup 2009–2010 | access-date=3 February 2011 | publisher=manchesterfa.com}} before he left at the end of the 2009–10 season, having scored a total of 15 goals in 32 league appearances.{{cite web | url=http://www.sportbox.tv/football/players/player.php?playerid=110899&season=2010 | title=2009–10 appearances | access-date=31 January 2011 | publisher=sportbox.tv}}
=Hyde=
File:Whalley Shoots.jpg; his shot is rising over the crossbar. |alt=Whalley nearly scores against Harrogate Town]]
Whalley joined Hyde on 21 August 2010 after his release from Droylsden.{{cite news |url=http://www.hydefc.co.uk/newsarticle.php?id=203 |title=New Signing|work=hydefc.co.uk|date=21 August 2010 |access-date=21 August 2010}} He made his debut just hours after he signed for the Tigers in a 5–1 home defeat to Alfreton Town.{{cite news|url=http://www.hydefc.co.uk/report.php?id=1569|title=Hyde 1–5 Alfreton Town|work=hydefc.co.uk|date=21 August 2010|access-date=21 August 2010|archive-date=24 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824051752/http://www.hydefc.co.uk/report.php?id=1569|url-status=dead}} In just his third appearance for Hyde, he was sent off in a 1–0 defeat to Guiseley.{{cite news |url=http://www.hydefc.co.uk/report.php?id=1572 |title=Match Details: Guiseley 1–0 Hyde
|work=hydefc.co.uk|date=30 August 2010 |access-date=31 August 2010}} Whalley scored his first goal for Hyde in a 2–1 home win over Corby Town.{{cite news |url=http://www.hydefc.co.uk/report.php?id=1574|title=Hyde 2–1 Corby Town
|work=hydefc.co.uk|date=11 September 2010 |access-date=11 September 2010}}
In early October, while still on the books at Hyde, he was called up to the Football Association XI squad alongside teammate Scott Mooney for a game against Hallam FC to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Sheffield-based club.{{cite news |url=http://www.hydefc.co.uk/newsarticle.php?id=249|title=Hallam FC v FA XI |work=hydefc.co.uk|date=8 October 2010 |access-date=23 October 2010}} Whalley scored his first cup goal for the club in a 4–0 win over Oldham Boro in the Manchester Premier Cup,{{cite news |url=http://www.hydefc.co.uk/report.php?id=1621|title=Match Details: Hyde 4–0 Oldham Borough|work=hydefc.co.uk|date=18 October 2010 |access-date=19 October 2010}} but less than a week later, he scored an own goal as part of a 3–0 away loss to Blyth Spartans,{{cite news |url=http://www.hydefc.co.uk/report.php?id=1622|title=Match Details: Blyth 3–0 Hyde|work=hydefc.co.uk|date=23 October 2010 |access-date=23 October 2010}} and was then sent off again for two bookable offences against Vauxhall Motors{{cite news|url=http://www.hydefc.co.uk/report.php?id=1624|title=Match Details: Vauxhall Motors 3–2 Hyde|work=hydefc.co.uk|date=30 October 2010|access-date=30 October 2010|archive-date=21 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221183743/http://www.hydefc.co.uk/report.php?id=1624|url-status=dead}}
Whalley scored his first goal of the new year in a 2–1 victory over local rivals Stalybridge Celtic.{{cite web|title=Stalybridge Celtic 1–2 Hyde|url=http://www.hydefc.co.uk/report.php?id=1873|publisher=hydefc.co.uk|date=1 January 2011|access-date=2 January 2011|archive-date=27 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427075336/http://www.hydefc.co.uk/report.php?id=1873|url-status=dead}} He scored again in the quarter-final of the Manchester Premier Cup against his old club Droylsden,{{cite web | url=http://www.hydefc.co.uk/report.php?id=1879 | title=Match Details: Droylsden 3–1 Hyde | access-date=11 January 2011 | date=10 January 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221183733/http://www.hydefc.co.uk/report.php?id=1879 | archive-date=21 February 2014 }} which proved to be his last for the club.{{cite web | url=http://www.hydefc.co.uk/newsarticle.php?id=308 | title=Player Released | access-date=24 January 2011 | date=24 January 2011 | publisher=hydefc.co.uk}}
=Southport=
Whalley was released by Hyde in order to join Southport for the second time in January 2011.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southport/9376659.stm | title=Southport re-sign winger Shaun Whalley | access-date=26 January 2011 | date=26 January 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} He made his debut the following Saturday in a 4–0 win over York City, scoring Southport's second and fourth goals.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/9376658.stm | title=Southport 4–0 York City | access-date=29 January 2011 | date=29 January 2011 |work=BBC Sport}}{{cite web | url=http://www.york.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchrep.asp?a=230016 | title=Southport 4 York City 0 | access-date=29 January 2011 | date=29 January 2011 | publisher=Vital Football}} On 1 February, less than a week later, Whalley scored again in a 2–2 draw with Grimsby Town to take his record to three goals in two games,{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/9377879.stm | title=Southport 2–2 Grimsby Town | access-date=1 February 2011 | date=1 February 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} before being sent off for violent conduct on and later receiving a four match ban.{{cite web | url=http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/southport-sport/2011/02/04/tony-gray-can-fill-the-void-left-by-shaun-whalley-says-southport-fc-boss-101022-28110934/ | title=Gray can fill the void left by Whalley, says Southport boss | access-date=20 February 2011 | author=Kirkbride, Phillip | date=4 February 2011 | publisher=Southport Visitor}} On 26 February after missing the best-part of that month through his suspension, he returned, to start in a 2–1 loss to Bath City, but he was unable to score a goal.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/9401938.stm | title=Bath City 2–1 Southport | access-date=26 February 2011 | date=26 February 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} He followed this game up by scoring in his next two, netting in the 3–1 win over Histon{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/9407368.stm | title=Southport 3–1 Histon | access-date=10 April 2011 | date=1 March 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} and then by scoring Southport's only goal, in a 4–1 defeat to Eastbourne Borough.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/9407733.stm | title=Eastbourne Boro 4–1 Southport | access-date=10 April 2011 | date=5 March 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} He finished March having scored four goals that month, after adding another two in the latter part, the first in a 4–2 defeat to the hands of Barrow{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/9422322.stm | title=Southport 2–4 Barrow | access-date=10 April 2011 | date=15 March 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} and the other coming as-part of a 2–2 draw with Rushden & Diamonds.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/9422409.stm | title=Rushden & Diamonds 2–2 Southport | access-date=10 April 2011 | date=19 March 2011 |work=BBC News}}
He opened his goalscoring account for the 2011–12 season on the opening day as part of a 2–2 draw with Lincoln City.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14500047.stm | title=Southport 2–2 Lincoln City |work=BBC Sport | access-date=13 August 2011 | date=13 August 2011}} He scored his second of the season in a 3–2 win over Telford United.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14749610.stm | title=Southport 3–2 AFC Telford |work=BBC Sport | date=3 September 2011 | access-date=3 September 2011}} On 15 March 2012, he signed a new two-year contract with the club.{{cite web | url=http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/southport-sport/southport-district-football/2012/03/20/hat-trick-hero-shaun-whalley-caps-a-fantastic-week-at-southport-101022-30570295/ | title=Hat-trick hero Shaun Whalley caps a fantastic week at Southport | publisher=Southport Visiter | date=20 March 2012 | access-date=15 August 2012}} He scored a total of ten goals in all-competitions for Southport in the 2011–12 season,{{Soccerbase season|39596|2011|name=Shaun Whalley|access-date=15 August 2012}} helping them to their highest league finish in ten years—7th in the Conference Premier.{{cite web | url=http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/conference-premier/2011-2012 | title=English Conference Premier 2011–2012 : Table | publisher=Statto.com | access-date=15 August 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818155244/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/conference-premier/2011-2012 | archive-date=18 August 2012 }}
Whalley had a good start to the 2012–13 season, scoring two goals in four games, including in a 3–3 draw with Alfreton Town.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19159875 | title=Alfreton 3–3 Southport | work=BBC Sport | access-date=15 August 2012}} He went on to play in all but three of Southport's league games, scoring seven further goals and at the end of the season was named the club's player of the year.{{cite web | url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town-hatters/hatters-expect-to-sign-southport-duo-1-5030153 | title=Hatters expect to sign Southport duo | work= Luton Today | publisher=Johnston Publishing Ltd. | date=4 April 2013 | access-date=1 May 2013}}
=Luton Town=
On 1 May 2013, Whalley was signed by fellow Conference Premier club Luton Town for an undisclosed fee on a two-year contract.{{cite web | url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town-hatters/hatters-confirm-double-signing-1-5046908 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505025254/http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town-hatters/hatters-confirm-double-signing-1-5046908 | url-status=dead | archive-date=5 May 2013 | title=Hatters confirm double signing | work=Luton Today | publisher=Johnston Publishing Ltd. | date=1 May 2013 | access-date=1 May 2013 }} He missed a penalty on his debut in a 1–0 defeat, coincidentally against former club Southport.{{cite news| title = Southport 1–0 Luton| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23558533| work = BBC Sport| date = 10 August 2013| access-date = 12 August 2013}}
After failing to win a regular starting place in the Luton line-up, Whalley moved on loan on 23 January 2014 to Conference North side AFC Telford United, led by his former Southport manager Liam Watson.{{Cite web| title = Shaun Whalley: AFC Telford sign Luton Town winger on loan| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25852796| work = BBC Sport| date = 23 January 2014| access-date = 24 January 2014}} He scored five goals in 18 games as Telford won the Conference North title, scoring in the crucial final game of the season.{{Cite web| title = AFC Telford United promoted to Conference Premier| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27175960| work = BBC Sport| date = 26 April 2014| access-date = 28 April 2014}} With Luton also winning their league, Whalley had the unique distinction of being awarded both Conference Premier and Conference North winners' medals in the same season.{{cite news| title = Luton Town win Conference Premier and Football League spot| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26978690| work = BBC Sport| date = 15 April 2014| access-date = 28 April 2014}}
Whalley played a more active part in Luton's return to the Football League, playing in 18 league games, often in the starting XI, and scoring three goals.
On 27 April 2015, Whalley and teammate Ricky Miller were both arrested by Bedfordshire Police in connection with an alleged assault following Luton Town's end of season awards night. Both were released on bail, but were suspended by the club pending a police inquiry.{{cite news|title=Luton Town suspend winger Shaun Whalley and striker Ricky Miller|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/apr/28/luton-town-suspend-shaun-whalley-ricky-miller|access-date=15 May 2015|work=The Guardian|date=28 April 2015}} Whalley was not charged due to a lack of evidence.{{cite news|title=Whalley not charged over alleged taxi driver assault|url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/crime/whalley-not-charged-over-alleged-taxi-driver-assault-1-6776489|access-date=8 June 2015|publisher=Luton Today|date=2 June 2015}} On 18 May 2015, Whalley left Luton by mutual consent two months before the end of his contract.{{cite news|title=Whalley, Fitzsimons and Miller depart Luton Town|url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/whalley-fitzsimons-and-miller-depart-luton-town-2461761.aspx|access-date=18 May 2015|publisher=Luton Town F.C.|date=18 May 2015}}
=Shrewsbury Town=
Following his departure from Luton, Whalley joined Shrewsbury Town, recently promoted to League One, on 6 June 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2015/06/06/town-compete-signing-of-shaun-whalley/|title=Town complete signing of Shaun Whalley|work=Shropshire Star|date=6 June 2015|access-date=6 June 2015|archive-date=23 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723154958/http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2015/06/06/town-compete-signing-of-shaun-whalley/|url-status=dead}} Making only sporadic substitute appearances in the early part of the season, Whalley had to wait until 28 December to make his first league start for the club, scoring a late winning goal in a 2–1 away victory over Crewe Alexandra.{{cite web|url=http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2015/12/29/goal-hero-shaun-whalley-eyes-extended-run/|title=Goal hero Shaun Whalley eyes extended run|work=Shropshire Star|date=29 December 2015|access-date=30 December 2015}} He scored another late winner away at the league-leaders Burton Albion the following month,{{Cite news|title = Burton Albion 1–2 Shrewsbury Town|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35330788|publisher = BBC|access-date = 2016-01-23}} eventually ending the season with seven goals in all competitions as Shrewsbury avoided relegation with a game to spare.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36118321|title=Shrewsbury Town 3–4 Peterborough United|work=BBC Sport|date=30 April 2016|access-date=1 May 2016}}
A persistent thigh injury restricted Whalley's first-team involvement at the start of the following season,{{Cite web|url=http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2016/09/27/shrewsbury-towns-shaun-whalley-not-just-an-impact-player/|title=Shrewsbury Town's Shaun Whalley not just an impact player|work=Shropshire Star|date=27 September 2016|access-date=13 November 2016}} which also coincided with a change in management at the club, after a poor start to the season left Shrewsbury rooted to the bottom of the League One table. Whalley scored his first goal of the season against Oxford United, deep in injury time, to seal a 2–0 victory for new manager Paul Hurst in his first home league match in charge.{{cite web|url=http://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/article/2016-17/shaun-whalley-post-oxford-united-3414579.aspx|title=Shaun Whalley post Oxford United|publisher=Shrewsweb|date=13 November 2016|access-date=13 November 2016}}
After becoming a first-team regular under Hurst, and helping Shrewsbury avoid relegation once again in 2016–17, Whalley signed a two-year contract extension in May 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39900820|title=Shaun Whalley: Shrewsbury Town midfielder signs new two-year contract|work=BBC Sport|date=12 May 2017|access-date=12 May 2017}} He featured in 58 matches in all competitions in 2017–18, scoring twelve goals, as Shrewsbury reached both the EFL Trophy final and the 2018 EFL League One play-off final, although they ultimately finished as runners-up on both occasions.
Having surpassed 150 appearances for the club in all competitions during the 2018–19 season, Whalley signed another two-year contract extension in April 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/2019/april/shaun-whalley-signs-new-deal/|title=Shaun Whalley signs new deal|publisher=Shrewsweb|date=24 April 2019|access-date=25 April 2019}}
On 4 February 2020, Whalley scored in front of the travelling Shrewsbury fans at Anfield in an FA Cup fourth round replay against his beloved Liverpool, only for the goal to be controversially overturned by VAR for offside against Scott Golbourne.{{cite news|url= https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpools-youngsters-produce-yet-another-21432126 |title= Liverpool's youngsters produce magical Anfield night with FA Cup win vs Shrewsbury |last=Maddock |first=David |work=The Mirror|date=4 February 2020|access-date=6 January 2020}}
Whalley reached 200 appearances for the club in November 2020, marking the occasion with the opening goal in a 2–2 draw against Milton Keynes Dons.{{cite web|url=https://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/2020/november/match-report-mk-dons-shrewsbury-town/|title=Match report: MK Dons 2 Shrewsbury 2|publisher=Shrewsweb|date=24 November 2020|access-date=9 May 2021}} His dedication to the club was celebrated by managers and teammates past and present in the local press.{{cite web|url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/football/shrewsbury-town-fc/2020/11/24/two-hundred-games-for-shaun-whalley-as-shrewsbury-town-favourite-joins-exclusive-club/|title=Two hundred games for Shaun Whalley as Shrewsbury Town favourite joins exclusive club|publisher=Shropshire Star|date=24 November 2020|access-date=9 May 2021}} An appearance-based contract extension was triggered in May 2021, committing him to the club until Summer 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/2021/may/shaun-whalley-extends-town-stay/|title=Shaun Whalley extends Town stay|publisher=Shrewsweb|date=9 May 2021|access-date=9 May 2021}}
On 3 May 2022, it was confirmed that Whalley would be leaving Shrewsbury Town after seven years. After being forced out by then Manager Steve Coterill.{{cite web | url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/football/shrewsbury-town-fc/2022/05/03/shaun-whalley-among-shrewsbury-town-exits-as-josh-vela-and-elliott-bennett-agree-new-deals/ | title=Shaun Whalley among Shrewsbury Town exits as Josh Vela and Elliott Bennett agree new deals }}
= Return to Accrington Stanley =
In July 2022, Whalley rejoined Accrington on a two-year deal. On 7 May 2024, the club announced he had signed a one-year extension.{{Cite web |title=NEW CONTRACT: Shaun signs a new one-year deal |url=https://www.accringtonstanley.co.uk/news/2024/may/new-contract-shaun-signs-a-new-one-year-deal/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=www.accringtonstanley.co.uk |language=en-gb}}
Following a run of four goals in five matches, Whalley was named EFL League Two Player of the Month for January 2025. {{cite web|url=https://www.efl.com/news/2025/february/07/sky-bet-league-two-manager---player-of-the-month-january-winners/|title=Sky Bet League Two Manager & Player of the Month January winners|website=www.efl.com|date=7 February 2025|accessdate=7 February 2025}}
Style of play
Whalley is a winger but can also play as a striker. On his arrival at Southport, manager Liam Watson said "Shaun will fit right into our style of play and with the players we have here".{{cite web | url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/amateur-football/2011/01/26/shaun-whalley-closes-in-on-southport-fc-return-100252-28055432/ | title=Shaun Whalley closes in on Southport return | access-date=5 February 2011 | date=26 January 2011 | publisher=liverpoolecho.co.uk}} Whalley's former teammate Paul Mullin described him as "an absolute express-train down the wings", and said that he possessed good ability on the ball.{{cite news|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/1607753.Accrington_Stanley_player_profiles/|title=Accrington Stanley player profiles|newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph|author=Mullin, Paul|date=9 August 2007 | access-date=10 February 2011}}
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 18 April 2022}}
Honours
Droylsden
- Manchester Premier Cup: 2009–10
Luton Town
AFC Telford United
Shrewsbury Town
- EFL Trophy runner-up: 2017–18{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43674770 |title=Lincoln City 1–0 Shrewsbury Town |first=Ged |last=Scott |work=BBC Sport |date=8 April 2018 |access-date=17 May 2018}}
Individual
- EFL League Two Player of the Month: January 2025
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{Accrington Stanley F.C. squad}}
{{good article}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Whalley, Shaun}}
Category:Footballers from Prescot
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football wingers
Category:Norwich City F.C. players
Category:Southport F.C. players
Category:Chester City F.C. players
Category:Runcorn F.C. Halton players
Category:Witton Albion F.C. players
Category:Accrington Stanley F.C. players
Category:Wrexham A.F.C. players
Category:Droylsden F.C. players
Category:Hyde United F.C. players
Category:Luton Town F.C. players
Category:AFC Telford United players
Category:Shrewsbury Town F.C. players
Category:English Football League players