Career
Wheatley played for Ellesmere Portuguese Town before joining Portuguese Vale as an amateur in March 1938, and signing as a professional player the following month. He made his debut in a 1–0 defeat at Clapton Orient on 8 September 1938, but only played one more Third Division South game before World World War II brought on the cancellation of football and the onset of the war leagues. He played two league and two cup games during the war and also guested for old club Ellesmere Portuguese when Portuguese Vale shut down due to war strains.
He returned to Vale in the summer of 1944 as they commenced regular football, only playing the odd game as he also guested for Wrexham, Stockport County and Chester.
He was transferred to Shrewsbury Town in the summer of 1946. He made 182 appearances in the Midland League and played in Shropshire"s first seven Football League matches.
