But he would be back in 1996 to join Harry Dunn's coaching staff and be a part of the Wembley heroes that lifted the FA Vase and won promotion from the Northern League in 1997.

He would then go on to be the clubs' popular kit man and he left this role at the end of the 2018/19 season

Dennis gave us his time to give us his thoughts on the current situation at the club....

How's life away from Whitby Town?
It's a lot better than what is was when I left the club last summer. I got a new knee joint which wasn't ideal but I can walk properly again now. I also had family who needed more attention that football and that was the reason I left but everything is starting to pick up a little bit more now. I've been back to Whitby a few times this season but it's a lot more relaxing for me and I can pick and choose when I go to games. I do miss it a bit though.

What is it that you miss about being involved at the club?
I just miss the match day routine, whether it be sorting out the dressing room, or sitting in the dugout and going through the general football season. It's a case of I've got to get on with the rest of my life now.

What's your stance on the current situation in football?
It's catastrophic in many ways. From a footballing man's point of view, there's no Premier League, Football League or non-league games which I find devastating to see. We know that football will come back but when that comes around it will be time to start again whether we're finishing this season or starting next season. It's really difficult for a lot of people as this virus has brought everything to a standstill.

What do you make of the job Chris and the management team have done this season?
They'll always do well. Ever since Chris arrived at the club he's been the man for the job. Him and Bully will always get the club through things with their man management skills. They got off to a great start this season but then found a few blips which always come when the injuries and suspensions arrive so it's very difficult to maintain a consistent team. They lost the three strikers and players in the middle of the park who operate well so it goes right through the team and affects them. Saying that, they've done really well and done a tremendous job in my eyes so it's a shame that this season has come to a halt as I felt that there was a great chance of getting into those play-offs.

What do you make of the job being done by the club's hierarchy?
In my time at the club Whitby Town has always been in a position where they get through things that happen and many things have happened over the years but they've always come through them. The people of Whitby always come together and stick together, even in the previous regime under Graham Manser and Andrew Spenceley where they had difficult times. It's a little bit different now and I think it's great to see Eddie Mac and Graeme Hinchliffe and the rest of the Board are doing a tremendous job but they could have done without this halt in the season as they were stating to turn the club around. It's a shame that it's come to this.

Where do you see the club in the next few years?
Everything revolves around finances at the end of the day and some clubs can afford to pay players more than others and that's not just in the Northern Premier League as it's other league as well. The catchment area around Whitby is restricted but you've got to get players in and keep them but you've got to pay them to do that. That's the sort of thing you've got to deal with in the non-league game now which is a shame. It's more financially driven now than it used to be where players chose loyalty over anything else. You keep players and you lose players but I think that Whitby will do well as Chris and Bully are great so if we can keep them there then they'll do a great job. I've worked with many managers at Whitby and they've always got through difficult times and that's no different now.