Whitby Town have appointed experienced North East football figure Graeme Lee as their new first-team manager.
Lee, who has more than three decades of experience in professional football as both a player and coach, succeeds Lee Bullock and will take charge for the first time when Whitby host Bamber Bridge on Saturday.
The 48-year-old enjoyed a lengthy playing career as a central defender, making more than 470 Football League appearances for the likes of Hartlepool United, Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster Rovers, Bradford City, Notts County and Darlington.
He won promotion with Hartlepool, Sheffield Wednesday and Notts County, and captained Doncaster to Football League Trophy success.
After ending his playing career, Lee spent more than a decade working in Middlesbrough’s academy, eventually becoming lead coach of the club’s under-23 side.
He moved into senior management with Hartlepool United in 2021, guiding the League Two club to the semi-finals of the EFL Trophy and the fourth round of the FA Cup.
More recently, Lee has managed Marske United and Spennymoor Town. During his time at Spennymoor, he took over in January 2024 and helped turn around the club’s fortunes, moving them away from danger and into contention near the top of National League North.
He also collected two Manager of the Month awards and led Spennymoor to the FA Trophy final at Wembley.
The appointment also brings Lee back to a club with which he has a longstanding personal connection. He has previously spoken about watching Whitby Town as a child while following teams managed by his father, the late Tony Lee.
Lee said the opportunity to take charge at Whitby was one he was keen to embrace.
“It’s a club that’s been part of my family for many, many years and a club that I’ve always thought fondly of.”
He added that discipline, organisation and attention to detail would be central to his approach.
Whitby chief executive Graeme Hinchliffe described the appointment as a significant move for the club, saying Lee was an experienced manager proven at the level and above.
The club has also confirmed that Denny Ingram will remain temporarily to help ensure a smooth handover.
Ingram stepped into the manager’s role on a caretaker basis during a difficult period and will leave the club once the transition is complete.
Whitby will hope Lee’s arrival can provide a fresh start as they prepare for Saturday’s home fixture against Bamber Bridge.
