Fantastic news. Very well deserved. http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2573805,00.html? STOKE CITY have today cemented the future of Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan by agreeing a new three-and-a-half year contract. The 27-year-old midfielder, who has been an influential figure in the Club's success since his arrival at the Britannia Stadium in the January transfer window of 2008, has put pen-to-paper on the new agreement which includes the option of another year. The past twelve months have been particularly memorable for Whelan as he helped City to reach their first-ever FA Cup Final and then qualify for the Europa League, while he featured prominently in Ireland's qualification for the Euro 2012 Finals. "Glenn has played a big part in our achievements since he came to the Club and it is important to look after players who have been the bedrock of that success," commented manager Tony Pulis in welcoming news of the new contract. "He has had a fantastic time these past 12 months, and he's shown that he's a player who thrives on being challenged to step up to the next level. "That's probably the Celtic blood in him and a steely determination to prove people wrong, which has included even myself on occasions." The news of the contract agreement comes as an early 28th birthday present for Whelan who reaches that landmark on Friday this week. "I am loving life at the moment and things are going really well, so I am absolutely delighted to commit my long term future to the Club," he said. "We have enjoyed a remarkable past few years with everything that we have achieved and I believe that even more success can be achieved in the future. "I am very excited about what the next few years could have in store, and I am proud to be a part of it as we look to continue the Club's excellent progress." He added: "All of the hard work I have done over the past twelve months has paid off. To play at Wembley twice, reach the FA Cup Final, play in Europe and be doing well at international level has certainly made it a memorable time for me." Whelan was a £500,000 purchase from Sheffield Wednesday midway through the campaign which saw the Potters promoted to the Premier League. Having started his career with Manchester City, his big breakthrough came at Hillsborough where he made 142 League appearances in a four year spell. It was shortly after his arrival at the Britannia Stadium that he won his first international cap with Ireland and he has since gone on to establish himself as a pivotal figure in Giovanni Trapattoni's side which has made it through to this summer's Euro Finals.
I'm happy. He tries to play the ball to feet, always gives 100% and you can't ask for more than that. I now that some on here are not too happy with him, but he's a lot better than some of the other players we have and I don't think he looks out of place in the prem when he's given a good run in the side. Trapattoni sees something in him and he's not a bad judge.
I know he is not top notch, but he has done pretty well for us and IS THE ONLY one who attempts to play football in the middle! If I was really critical, I would say that he is at best a back up to 2 or 3 better midfielders, but considering we have Diao, Delap, Whithead etc I would consider the Whelan signing as positive! Just hope Val come in for the others!
