in 1920, crystal palace became a founder member of the third division and whibley made the transition to professional football. he became a regular in the side that won the inaugural third division title in 1920–21, making 32 appearances and scoring five times. over the next two seasons whibley made a further 59 appearances scoring 10 goals but towards the end of the 1922–23 season was no longer first choice outside-left and in may 1923, returned to sittingbourne. he had made a total of 146 league appearances for crystal palace, scoring 27 goals.