Whyte, who was born in Kilmarnock, played in the juniors for Hurlford United.[1] Whyte joined Hibernian in 1972 and made five league appearances, but refused to abandon his medical studies when the club asked him to become a full-time professional.[1] He subsequently moved to Dunfermline Athletic in 1976.[1] Dunfermline had been relegated from the First Division in 1975–76 and were unable to sustain full-time football.[2] Whyte established himself as their first choice goalkeeper.[1] Whyte kept the position for nine years, playing 362 games in total while keeping 116 shutouts.[1] After retiring from his football career in 1987, Whyte became the Dunfermline club doctor.[3]