Ray Whittaker

Raymond Henry Whittaker Date of Birth: Jan 15, 1945

A great career was mapped out for tiny winger Ray after he gained a winners medal for England in the Little World Cup of 1963 and was then awarded a contract at Arsenal.

Unfortunately, he was unable to make the breakthrough at Highbury and joined Luton in March 1964 just in time to help the Hatters avoid the drop to the football basement. Quick and accurate with an eye for goal, Ray soon became a favourite at Kenilworth Road and although he could not prevent the Town from being relegated in 1965 he was a mainstay in the side that romped to the championship of Division Four three years later, setting up chances for Keith Allen, Ina Buxton and Bruce Rioch as well as weighing in with ten goals himself.

After losing his place to Mike Harrison the following season, Ray moved to Colchester and then had spells at various non-League clubs, worked in the City as a messenger before opening up a sweet shop in Upminster. Ray now lives in Spain.