The latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive brings you as Glenn Whelan looks to have played his final match
Former Aston Villa midfielder Glenn Whelan left the field to a rousing ovation in what looks like his final match.
On Sunday, he became the oldest player to represent Bristol Rovers at the age of 39, three months and 20 days. Whelan was introduced in the 78th minute, before being withdrawn in stoppage time as Rovers fell to a 3-2 defeat to Bolton Wanderers at the Memorial Stadium. He received a standing ovation after making way for Luke McCormick.
Rovers boss Joey Barton told BBC Radio Bristol before the game: “I think today is the day he finally hangs them up and hopefully we can get him on the pitch, and he goes out with a great rapport from our fans. What a wonderful career he has had and no better place to finish it in front of a sold-out Mem in front of an in-form team.”
While Whelan is set to bid farewell to his career as a player, the midfielder will remain at the club as a first-team coach. The Irishman initially joined Rovers on a one-year deal in 2021, reuniting with manager Barton, whom he worked with at Fleetwood Town. He later returned the following year and was registered as a first-team coach and as a player.
Whelan joined Villa in 2017 under Steve Bruce and went on to make 73 appearances before leaving in 2019. He helped the Villans to Premier League promotion in the 2018/19 season. He also received 92 caps while representing his country, the Republic of Ireland.
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