Mark Harkin & Scott Booth join Blues backroom staff after Graeme Hinchliffe steps down

A statement from the club said: “Graeme has stepped down from his role after the conclusion of the 2023/24 season due to his growing business commitments externally.

"However, we are pleased to announce that Graeme will continue to work with Whitby Town in an advisory capacity.

"With this in mind, two new roles have been created and filled in the backroom, to ensure the continued smooth running of the club.

"Mark Harkin has joined the football club as the Sporting Director, working closely with Nathan Haslam and the board on footballing matters.

"Harkin has vast experience in non-league football, and brings a wealth of footballing and business knowledge to the club, along with a wide range of valuable contacts in the game.”

Commenting on Harkin’s arrival, first-team manager Nathan Haslam said: “I’m delighted to welcome Mark to the football club as our new Sporting Director.

“I’ve known Mark for a long time and have a great friendship with him. We’ve been in dialogue regularly about him coming into the club and with that, we’ve found something that works for all parties.

“Mark’s involvement gives us a close link between the playing side and the board, which is a real positive for the football club.”

Scott Booth will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer, again bringing a wealth of business knowledge.

Booth - who owns Arundel House Hotel alongside his wife Rachel - joined the club as a sponsor primarily, before taking on the running of the Seasiders Lounge towards the back end of the 2023/24 season.

He has also held a place on the board since July 2023, and most recently has worked closely with the Safety Advisory Group to ensure the club is health and safety compliant.

Following his appointment, Booth said: “It’s a great pleasure to be appointed into this role at Whitby Town.“I’m raring to go and really looking forward to challenges that lay ahead of us.“Over the course of my time with the club, I want to have a real focus on developing the club as a whole, and increasing our support through community and club-based initiatives.”

The Town statement added: “The club would like to place on record its immense gratitude to Graeme Hinchliffe for his hard work and dedication to his role over the last six years, and we look forward to working closely with him as and when his commitments allow.”