| Spen Whittaker | |
| Birth Date: | February 1871 |
| Birth Place: | Oswaldtwistle, England |
| Death Date: | 16 April 1910 (aged 39) |
| Death Place: | Crewe, England |
| Clubs1: | Oswaldtwistle Rovers |
| Manageryears1: | 1903–1910 |
| Managerclubs1: | Burnley |
Spencer Whittaker (February 1871 – 16 April 1910) was an English footballer, manager and secretary.
Whittaker played for hometown club Oswaldtwistle Rovers, before retiring from playing, taking up the chairman and secretary role at the club.[1]
Whittaker was appointed manager of Burnley in 1903. His reign as Burnley manager was to come to a tragic end in April 1910. Whittaker was on his way to London by train to register the signing of a new player. When the train stopped in Crewe, it was reported that a man had fallen from a carriage some distance outside the town. When the body was discovered it was found to be that of Whittaker. The fall resulted in the death of the Burnley manager, and a benefit match against Manchester United at Turf Moor was arranged for Whittaker's wife and family.[1]
Whittaker's brother, Nat, was a professional footballer, manager, secretary and referee, refereeing the 1907 FA Cup Final.[2]