Keith Whatling made around twenty league appearances for Exeter City after arriving from Ipswich Town in the late-1960s. He retired from playing on leaving St James' Park.

Working his way through the junior sides at Ipswich Town, Keith signed his first full professional contract in March 1966 but had to be content with reserve team football at Portman Road.

He signed for Exeter City in July 1967, making his debut on the opening day of the season at Bradford City. After starting seven of the first eight games of the season (with goals against Crewe and Port Vale), Keith was to appear in just three more league games that season ending with the game at Brentford in November 1967.

Reappearing in the first-team in October 1968, Keith made a total of twelve league appearances during 1968/69 (including three as substitute) scoring once against Halifax Town. Subsequently released by the club, Keith retired from playing at the age of twenty-one.