‘Having someone to talk to is so important in life’ – Strathspey Thistle boss Ryan Esson puts faith in striker and club chaplain Daniel Whitehorn with one-year extension
Strathspey Thistle striker Daniel Whitehorn has committed to another year with the club – and is aiming to hit double figures in front of goal next season.
The 30-year-old forward, who also serves as the club’s chaplain, has become a key presence both on and off the pitch at Seafield Park, with his performances and quiet leadership drawing praise from those in charge.
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“Highland League football is by far the highest standard of football I’ve played,” Whitehorn said. “I’ve enjoyed the challenge so far.
“I think as a team we’ve been more competitive this year, so I guess there’s been more opportunities for goals, but a large part of [my improvement] has been down to a change of position.
“I’ve played central midfield for most of my life but Ryan has used me a lot more as a number 10 or a striker. I’m still getting used to the position, but I’m enjoying it.
“I hope to keep scoring and would hope to get to double figures next season.”
Whitehorn's journey to senior football has been anything but typical.
A late bloomer, he grew up in Derby playing Sunday League before relocating to the Highlands in 2013.
He quickly made a name for himself playing for Cromdale in the Strathspey and Badenoch Welfare League, before a four-year spell away in Hertfordshire.
Moving north again in 2021, he joined the Jags as a trialist the following year, becoming an on-off participant in the squad.
Since re-signing in January, he has scored five times for the Jags in just 12 appearances.
Away from the pitch, Whitehorn’s chaplaincy work is a significant part of his life and role at the club.
“Sometimes life is hard and having an outlet is really important,” he explains. “My role is pretty much just to be available for pastoral support.
“As chaplain, I am there as someone who the lads know they can come and talk to if they have anything they want to chat about.
“Often, hearing the title ‘chaplain’ people think it's a very religious role.
“As a Christian, I pray for the lads on the team – but it is primarily about being there for them if they need someone to chat to about the difficulties that life can throw at us sometimes.”
He believes the mental health aspect of the role is as vital as anything that happens on the pitch.
“Having someone to talk to is so important in life,” he explains. “We, particularly men, can bottle things up and just ignore things in life that are actually causing a lot of hurt.
“It's not easy to take that first step and reach out to someone so having a culture within a club where the players and staff know they are supported is essential if they are to take that first step.
“Talking to someone about our problems, although daunting, can feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders once it's done. And if you don't have the weight on you then as a player you're undoubtedly going to be free to perform better.”
Jags boss Ryan Esson says Whitehorn’s footballing qualities came as something of a bonus after an unlikely introduction to the player.
“[His signing] is great from the club’s point of view,” the manager explains.
“Dan was introduced to me as the club’s chaplain when I first came in and it was my goalkeeping coach Robert Flett who informed me that Dan had been playing for the club and was a good player.
"He was going to be attending most Tuesday training sessions to offer support for the players who felt they needed it anyway, so I asked Dan to take his boots and he could join in the Tuesday sessions.
“At the time we had a number of injuries and after the first Tuesday training session he impressed, we decided to sign him.
“I had to take into account that due to work commitments Dan wasn’t always going to be available for training or selection for games but he had qualities that I felt when he was available could definitely help the team.
“He proved this to be the case scoring five goals in 10 starts plus getting a couple of assists.
“With a record like this we were keen to get signed up for next season. Also, with his work rate and the person he is, he is someone we want to have and keep at the club both on and off the pitch.”
Joining Whitehorn in penning new contracts with the Grantown club are Caelan Mutch and Cameron Lisle, each agreeing two-year extensions.
Speaking this week, manager Esson added: “Getting Caelan and Cammy re-signed was important as both ended the season well, putting in strong performances.
“Due to the sheer volume of games Caelan missed, he should come back stronger next year.
“He could have been our top scorer this year so it’s definitely something for him to work on next season, but he’s still very young and learning how I want to play, and what his role is in the team.
“Cammy’s been a consistent performer and a real asset to the squad.
“He brings energy, experience, and a great attitude – exactly the type of player we want to take this team forward.”
