Former Hearts star becomes manager of SPFL club as he comes across 'incredibly well' in standout interview
The former Hearts star is back in Scottish football after extensive experience down south.
A former Hearts star has been named the new manager of Livingston, it’s been confirmed.
Glenn Whelan is back in Scottish football as the Lions’ permanent head coach after their relegation to the Championship. He previously spent time at Hearts in the 2019/20 season after extensive playing experience with Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City, Aston Villa and more. The former midfielder has since coached in the Republic of Ireland set-up, at Bristol Rovers, and most recently as part of Wigan Athletic’s backroom team.
Livingston sporting director David Martindale insists there was huge interest in the role at Almondvale but Whelan’s interview helped convince them he was the correct man to lead them forward. Martindale said of the former Aston Villa, Hearts and Sheffield Wednesday star: “I’m delighted to bring Glenn in as our new Head Coach.
Who is the new manager of Livingston?
“I know it’s taken a little bit of time, but we needed to make sure we got the right fit for the club, and we feel we’ve done that. There was a huge amount of interest, and it wasn’t an easy decision. However, after detailed interviews, Glenn came across incredibly well, and we all feel there is real alignment between how Glenn approaches the game and how we want to do things ourselves.
“He had a top playing career and has done the hard yards at several clubs, learning the game from a coach’s point of view. He has also had spells in charge as interim manager at Wigan and within the coaching set-up at Republic of Ireland.
“His beliefs and values align very well with ours, and we are delighted to give him this opportunity — and equally delighted that he has accepted it. To have played close to 100 games for his country and over 300 games in the EPL shows that we are bringing in an elite mindset and an individual with a real winning mentality.”
Why has Glenn Whelan opted to become Livingston manager?
Whelan said: “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.”
A Livingston statement adds: “We’re absolutely delighted to announce the appointment of Glenn Whelan as the club’s new Head Coach. The former Republic of Ireland international joins the club following an extensive playing career at the highest level of the game, alongside a growing and highly respected coaching career which has seen him work across club and international football. Everyone at Livingston FC would like to warmly welcome Glenn and wishes him every success in his new role.”
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