Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan bade farewell to professional football this afternoon, playing his final game for Bristol Rovers at the age of 39.
Whelan was introduced in the 78th minute of Bristol Rovers final League One game at home to Bolton Wanderers, being withdrawn himself in injury-time in order to receive a standing ovation from the home crowd.
It brings down the curtain on a long and distinguished club career for the Dubliner, who made his first senior appearance in the English club game during a loan spell with Bury in August 2003.
And that's a wrap the boots are hung up ⚽️🙌🏼❤️ we are very proud of everything you have achieved on to the next chapter ❤️#bristolrovers #thankyou pic.twitter.com/tfYBp0W5iD
— Karen Whelan (@karen3403) May 7, 2023
A Cherry Orchard player as a teenager, Whelan had initially signed for Manchester City in 2001 though never made a first team appearance with the club.
He established himself initially with Sheffield Wednesday, where he spent four seasons between 2004 and 2008.
Whelan earned 91 caps for Republic of Ireland, becoming a mainstay of the midfield during Giovanni Trapattoni's time in charge, playing his part in two successful qualification campaigns for Euro 2012 and Euro 2016.
He eventually started all three games in Ireland's ill-fated 2012 campaign and started against Sweden and Belgium four years later. Remaining a popular figure with Trap's successors, Martin O'Neill and Mick McCarthy, Whelan made his final international appearance as a second half substitute in Ireland's 1-1 draw at home to Denmark in a Euro 2020 qualifier in September 2019.
After falling out of favour in 2018, Whelan insisted he would never retire from international football and would play as long as he was asked.
"I never picked when I came to play for Ireland and I'll never pick when I don’t want to play," Whelan said in November 2018.
"I spoke to the boss already and he knows if anything happens down the line, I’ll be available."
He was subsequently recalled by Mick McCarthy, starting in the midfield in the 1-0 win over Georgia in March 2019.
At club level, Whelan became an ever present at Stoke, making close to 300 league appearances between 2008 and 2017.
He subsequently spent two seasons at Aston Villa before joining Hearts in 2019. He spent the 2020-21 campaign at Fleetwood Town in League One, under the management of Joey Barton.
Whelan followed Barton to Bristol Rovers, where he spent the final two years of his career.
In summer 2022, he joined Barton's coaching staff and currently serves as a coach with the Republic of Ireland U16 side under manager Paul Osam, helping them to a Victory Shield success last November.
