Glenn Whelan

Glenn Whelan, born on January 13, 1984, is a distinguished Irish former professional footballer who made his mark as a defensive midfielder. His journey in football began at Manchester City, where he made a solitary appearance in the UEFA Cup. Following a loan spell at Bury, Whelan's career took a significant turn when he joined Sheffield Wednesday, contributing to the team's promotion to the Championship in May 2005.

In January 2008, Whelan signed with Stoke City for a transfer fee of five hundred thousand pounds. His time at Stoke was pivotal, as he played a crucial role in the club's ascent to the Premier League. Although it took some time for him to secure a regular spot in Tony Pulis' starting eleven, by 2009, he had established himself as a key player. Whelan's notable achievements include participating in the 2011 FA Cup final, where Stoke faced his former club, Manchester City, ultimately losing the match 1-0.

Whelan's consistency and dedication saw him remain a vital part of the Stoke City squad under both Pulis and Mark Hughes, amassing an impressive total of 338 appearances over nine years. In July 2017, he transitioned to Aston Villa, and later, in August 2019, he joined Hearts, continuing to showcase his skills on the pitch.