Exclusive: Former Everton Prospect Charlie Whitaker Backed for a Bright Future

Former Everton youngster Charlie Whitaker has the attitude as well as the ability which should help him carve a successful career in the game, after impressing Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard with his approach since joining the League Two promotion chasers.

Aged 21, Whitaker’s performances in County colours have already vindicated Maynard’s decision to hand him his professional debut following a series of impressive displays with the Premier League outfit’s under-21 side.

Although he has netted twice in his first eight appearances for County since swapping Goodison Park for Meadow Lane, Whitaker’s willingness to put in the hard yards have made an even bigger impression on Maynard than his ability on the ball.

“Charlie has got magic in his boots,” he told SportsBoom.com.  

“He’s a top player and he’s got serious ability."

“But he’s also got that willingness to run and get involved. A lot of people look at ability alone. But as well as Charlie’s ability and football intelligence, he’s ready to run, work hard and put it all in - leave everything out there."

“That’s a brilliant combination to have.”

Maynard believes The Magpies completed something of a coup when they lured Whitaker away from the North-West where, having begun his footballing journey with Blackburn Rovers, he had previously been based for the entirety of his embryonic career. 

But if he helps County cross the finishing line and reach the third tier next term, Maynard knows the secret about his recent acquisition’s talents will prove increasingly difficult to keep.

Given the slim margins for error at the top end of the division, Maynard is encouraged that Whitaker is not the only quality player at his disposal, adding: “Alex Bass, for me, is the best goalkeeper in the competition."

"I wouldn’t swap him for anyone else and he’s made a number of crucial saves for us at important times."

“The likes of Didzy (David McGoldrick) and Jodi Jones have got magic in their boots too and can get goals out of nothing. Even when the games are tight, they can summon up something and grab them by the scruff of the neck."

“Didzy did that just after Christmas for us, when he got two against Swindon and helped us win the game. That mentality and that ability is important to have.”

PLAGUED BY INJURIES

Unfortunately for Maynard, injuries have robbed The Magpies of both McGoldrick and Jones at a critical stage of the campaign, although both are making significant progress in their respective battles for fitness.

The fact they are still in contention after experiencing the kind of selection crisis which would have derailed many other teams, is a tribute to County’s resilience and quality according to Maynard.

“Find a way is something we’ve done this year,” he said. 

“That’s what good teams do, even if they aren’t quite at the best on a certain day."

“That comes from the mentality the lads have got within the group. It goes right the way through and they’ve got resilience."

“Our philosophy is to try and dominate possession and control the ball."

"But if you can’t do that then you need that willingness to dig in and find a way through.”