Gainsborough Trinity have announced the signing of experienced midfielder Elliott Whitehouse, a Wembley winner with Lincoln City.
The 32-year-old arrives at the Northolme with an extensive playing career behind him, having represented clubs including the Imps, Grimsby Town and Scunthorpe United, while also earning recognition at England C level.
Whitehouse began his career in the youth setup at Sheffield United before making three first-team appearances for the Blades. Loan spells with York City and Alfreton Town followed before he moved to Notts County, where another temporary switch to Nuneaton Town eventually became a permanent move.
His form at Nuneaton earned his move to Lincoln City, where he became part of Danny Cowley’s successful side. He played a role in the promotion in 2016/17, affectionately becoming known as ‘Gloves’ for his insistence on wearing gloves during a game.
The following season, while again on the fringes, he wrote his name in history by scoring the winning goal against Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Trophy final, becoming the first Imp to score at Wembley. At the end of the season, he was offered a new deal, but opted to leave the club.
A move to Grimsby Town, although his time with the Mariners was heavily disrupted by a serious ACL injury picked up in pre-season. He rebuilt his career and later featured for Forest Green Rovers, Scunthorpe United and Chester before joining Macclesfield on a two-year deal. The midfielder recently spent time on loan with Matlock Town before featuring for Peterborough Sports last season in National League North.
Whitehouse excited by Trinity project
Speaking after completing his move to Gainsborough Trinity, Whitehouse admitted the opportunity immediately appealed to him because of the club’s ambition and location.
“Over the moon to sign. Local team. It’s on my doorstep. And everything aligns, it just all makes sense for me.”
The experienced midfielder also revealed he had followed Trinity’s progress closely in recent seasons and had heard positive reports about the club from players he knows within the game.
“I spoke to the gaffer and I’ve been keeping an eye on Gainsborough for the last few years. I know lads who have played here and speak highly of the club, the people that work here. The fans, I’ve even been down to watch a few games before, too.”
Whitehouse believes his experience can help Trinity finally secure promotion after several near misses in recent seasons.
“I can’t wait to get going. I’m sure I can add a lot with my experience. I played a lot of games last year and that has helped me a lot. Still got plenty to give, so I can’t wait to get started, meet everyone in pre-season and let’s try and achieve the ultimate aim, which is promotion.”
Whitehouse becomes the second former Lincoln City man to sign for the Holy Blues in a week, after one-time academy prospect Connor Brown made the move. Brown, prolific for Lincoln United last season, penned a deal with the ambitious outfit at the start of the week.
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