Sheffield Wednesday promotion hero Glenn Whelan lands first head coach role
Glenn Whelan, who played an important role in helping Sheffield Wednesday escape from League One in 2004/05, has landed his first head coach gig.
Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Glenn Whelan has landed his first permanent role in management after being installed as Livingston’s new head coach.
Following interim spells in charge at Wigan Athletic, Whelan, 42, has now moved north of the border to take charge of the Scottish Championship outfit. The length of his contract has not been disclosed.
The former midfielder, who retired from his playing career in May 2023, will be hoping to try and lead Livingston straight back to the Scottish Premiership next season after they secured just two victories this time around, meaning they were relegated with just 21 points to their name.
Whelan, who spent three-and-a-half years of his playing career at Hillsborough, arriving in the summer of 2004 before joining Stoke City in January 2008, is relishing the opportunity in Scotland, admitting he wants to create a team that Livingston’s supporters “can be truly proud of”.
He told Livingston’s club website: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity as head coach of Livingston, something I’m incredibly proud of, and I will give my all for the club moving forward.
“I’m eager to grasp this opportunity and help build a successful team that the fans can be truly proud of and get right behind. I’m grateful to the board for their belief in me, and the hard work has already begun.
“I can’t wait to get started and look forward to the journey ahead.”
Whelan, who was on the scoresheet when Wednesday beat Hartlepool United 4-2 in the League One play-off final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in May 2005, made 159 appearances during his Owls career, chipping in with 16 goals.
The 2004/05 promotion-winning campaign saw Whelan chip in with four goals across all competitions, including Wednesday’s third against Hartlepool.
It was during the 2006/07 campaign the former Manchester City and Aston Villa man enjoyed his most lucrative season in front of goal for the Owls, scoring eight times from midfield, including stunners against Leicester City and Southampton respectively.