Boreham Wood FC are delighted to announce the signing of ex-Academy graduate Corey Whitley from Newport County on a season long loan.
Whitely will be well known to many of the longer serving “Wood Army” as he came through the club’s renowned BW PASE Academy between 2007 and 2009. He was always a very well thought of member of our elite Academy squad, however struggled to hit the heights with the first team back then. As such Corey gained valuable senior men’s football experience locally at both Waltham Forest and Cheshunt, where he bagged a very healthy return of 18 goals in 37 appearances.
Due to the lack of first team opportunity here at Meadow Park, Chairman Danny Hunter utilised his close ties at the time with Enfield Town for Corey to make the next step in his development within senior football. Corey chose to get the game time he needed at Town to develop further, and during his three years with The Queen Elizabeth II Stadium Club, he went on to score 46 goals in 120 appearances, which alerted some of the bigger local clubs.
One of those alerted, was the then Dagenham boss John Still, who took the plunge and signed the young striker. Despite jumping two divisions from the Ryman Premier into the National League, Whitely shone in a Dagger’s shirt, netting 16 goals in his first full season at National League level, whilst earning a place within the 2016/17 National League Team of the Season.
Following a financial crisis that befell Dagenham, Whitely moved onto Ebbsfleet United in 2018 where he continued to shine as one of Non-League brightest talents, making 59 appearances and scoring 11 goals whilst at Stonebridge Road.
At the end of the 2018/19 season, Whitely got his well-deserved move into the Football League penning a two-year deal with League Two outfit Newport County. Corey has in truth found game time limited in South Wales and it was felt by all parties involved, that with the player’s close ties to “The Wood”, that a season long loan at Meadow Park would be a great fit for everyone.
On getting this deal done Gaffer Luke Garrard said, “It took us no time in getting Corey signed. After an initial phone between myself and Corey, explaining both mine and the Club’s ambitions and aspirations, he was sold on the idea of signing here at Boreham Wood.
“Corey brings a wealth of experience at this level and I honestly believe he will add a different dimension to our attacking threat, as he can occupy many different offensive positions. I have set him targets for this season and I feel he will achieve these and more because he is a great talent.
“I have followed Corey’s progress and development throughout his career with huge pride after having the pleasure of working with him at the start of my coaching career with the Under 18’s here at Meadow Park. He knows how I work and what I will expect of him. I am delighted to have him back at Meadow Park and look forward to working with him once again.” Garrard concluded.
On the return of Corey to Meadow Park, Chairman Danny Hunter said, “Our Academy boys progression is always close to my heart and I do follow all of their development both on and off the field with huge interest.
“I’m so happy that Corey is returning to us after almost a decade away from Meadow Park. In truth, I’ve yet to see him hit the back of the net for the Boreham Wood first team, though I’ve seen him hit the back of our net here when playing against us for both Dagenham and Ebbsfleet. I’m sure this season will see us improve with Corey in the team, while I’m equally sure Luke will improve him as a player, too.” Hunter concluded.
Welcome back to Meadow Park, Corey!
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