Former Hearts star a 'surprise' next Livingston manager contender as SPFL return could beckon
The former Hearts star also featured at Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, and more.
A former Hearts star has reportedly emerged as a candidate for the vacant Livingston manager job.
The Lions have been relegated out the Premiership and into the Championship, with Hibs hero Marvin Bartley recently departing his head coach role, and Scott Arfield becoming interim gaffer until the end of the season. Various names have been linked and ex-Dundee boss Tony Docherty has reportedly exited contention.
Glenn Whelan is the latest name on the agenda. He sampled Scottish football in the 19/20 season at Hearts after extensive experience in England with the likes of Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City, most recently an assistant coach at Wigan Athletic. Whelan was also their interim gaffer on occasion and has coached at Bristol Rovers too.
Who will be the next Livingston manager?
Now it’s claimed by transfer journalist Alan Nixon that the former Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Hearts man is a surprising name to have landed squarely in Livingston’s sights. It’s stated: “Glenn Whelan is the surprise new name in the frame for Scottish Championship side Livingston.
“The Irishman has been working as a coach after a long playing career - and has been looking for job since leaving Wigan. Whelan played for many top clubs and hopes to prove he is a number one in his own right. Livi have been chasing a new boss since relegation and Whelan is now firmly on their radar.”
Whelan has spoken previously of taking charge at Wigan earlier this year, prior to former Hibs and Scotland defender Gary Caldwell’s arrival as head coach, including an FA Cup clash away to eventual Premier League champions Arsenal. The former midfielder said of that game Wigan lost 4-0: “After half an hour, everyone was holding their breath to see if it would be a cricket score.
What happened when Glenn Whelan managed vs Arsenal?
“A lot of credit has to go to the lads. At half-time, we had a chat and spoke about rectifying and trying to work a way out of the situation. It was tough, but we dug in really well, and the lads put in a great shift. We had a game plan - we wanted to be nice and compact, but one or two lads jumped out of shape trying to get after the players, and the quality Arsenal have, they punish you with every mistake.
“We were 4-0 down at half-time, which wasn’t great, but we spoke about building blocks for the last 16 games, and I think the second half is something we can take credit for. We showed a little bit of guts when other teams would’ve folded. You can never question the lads’ willingness to work hard and fight for the badge and fans. There is a lack of quality at times throughout the group, but it’s not from a lack of endeavour.
“It’s a great learning curve for everyone - staff included - to come and play at a place like this. At times, we caught them on the break, and Joe (Taylor) could’ve scored on another day. We now need to stop talking and putting in performances that are good for the fans."
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