A highly respected figure within North East football, Lee arrives at the Towbar Express Stadium with a wealth of experience gained throughout an outstanding playing and coaching career spanning more than three decades. He succeeds Lee Bullock and will immediately begin preparations, taking charge of his first match on Saturday for the visit of Bamber Bridge.

Lee enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a commanding central defender, making more than 470 Football League appearances. He represented clubs including Hartlepool United, Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster Rovers, Bradford City, Notts County and Darlington, winning promotions with Hartlepool United, Sheffield Wednesday and Notts County, while also captaining Doncaster Rovers to Football League Trophy success.

Following his retirement from playing, Lee moved into coaching with Middlesbrough, where he spent more than a decade working within the Club’s academy structure and eventually became lead coach of the Under-23s. His work in player development earned widespread recognition and provided the foundation for a successful transition into senior management.

Lee's first senior managerial role came with Hartlepool United in 2021, where he guided the League Two side to the semi-finals of the EFL Trophy and a memorable run to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.

More recently, he impressed during spells with Marske United and Spennymoor Town. At Spennymoor, Lee revitalised the club's fortunes after taking charge in January 2024, steering them away from danger and into contention at the top end of National League North while earning back-to-back Manager of the Month awards. During his tenure, the club also reached the FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium.

Lee also has a long-standing connection with Whitby Town. In a recent interview, he spoke fondly of spending much of his childhood watching Whitby Town while following teams managed by his father, the late Tony Lee, one of the region’s most respected football figures.

Speaking after his appointment, Lee said: "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.

"I've had some great chats with Graeme (Hinchliffe) and Ivor (Homer) and it all seemed right. It's going to be a challenge but it's something I'm looking forward to.

"You have to have that belief and back your players. Here, we need to be disciplined, have organisation, and we need to get those details right."

Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Hinchliffe, added: "We're delighted to be able to bring a top manager to the football club.

"Appointing Graeme is a big statement for Whitby Town. He is a good, experienced manager who is proven at this level and above.

"We've done all we can to get him on board, and we're delighted that he's agreed to join Whitby Town.

"It is vital now that supporters get behind Spike and the club, not just by supporting the lads but by helping us build what is a bright future for Whitby Town off the pitch.

"We've had some fantastic donations into the 1926 Club recently, and continued support for that would be brilliant as Spike has some really exciting plans for the squad."

Click here to donate to the 1926 Club.

Everyone at Whitby Town Football Club would like to extend a warm welcome to Graeme and we wish him every success with the club.

The club can also confirm that Denny Ingram has agreed to remain at the club in the short-term, to assist with a smooth handover.

Once the handover is completed, Denny will then depart the club, and will go with the best wishes of everyone at Whitby Town.

Since stepping into the managerial role on a caretaker basis, Denny's attitude has been exemplary as he has taken the team on in difficult circumstances. As a club, we appreciate his commitment to Whitby Town, and thank him for helping us with this transitional period.