'He could have been more respectful' - Hearts cup winner hits out at Daniel Stendel over Glenn Whelan treatment

Stephen Elliott had his say on his former club over the departure of the Irish midfielder
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Former Hearts striker Stephen Elliott has leapt to the defence of fellow Irishman Glenn Whelan, criticising Daniel Stendel's treatment of the midfielder.

The club confirmed the departure of the ex-Aston Villa and Stoke City player earlier this week.

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Whelan had his contract terminated half way through his one-year deal having been dropped for the final two leagues games before the winter break.

Glenn Whelan has spoken out about his Hearts exit. Picture: SNSGlenn Whelan has spoken out about his Hearts exit. Picture: SNS
Glenn Whelan has spoken out about his Hearts exit. Picture: SNS

It led to the 35-year-old speaking out about his departure in the Irish media, stating he felt "let down" by the club and how his time ended.

Whelan spoke of being "thrown under a bus", Stendel singling him out and the email which confirmed the termination of his contract.

Elliott, a Scottish Cup winner with the club in 2012, raised his concerns regarding the nature of Whelan's exit and how he had been "hung out to dry" by Stendel.

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"He had his mind made up already about Glenn and he went in thinking that he's going to try to get him out of the club," he told Off the Ball. "I don't know what kind of wages Glenn would have been on but I presume they would've been decent compared to some of the other lads, [so maybe that has something to do with it.]

Former Hearts striker Stephen Elliott has leapt to Whelan's defence. Picture: SNSFormer Hearts striker Stephen Elliott has leapt to Whelan's defence. Picture: SNS
Former Hearts striker Stephen Elliott has leapt to Whelan's defence. Picture: SNS

"I spoke to a couple of the lads in and around the club and they had really good things to say about Glenn.

"It disappointed me that Stendel questioned Glenn's leadership because that's something that you could never pull Glenn up on."

Whelan's leadership came into question by Stendel. Something which is at odds with Elliott's view.

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"We were together at City in the youth team and I know people that have played alongside him, and one of his biggest qualities is his leadership skills," he said.

"I think for the manager to call out his leadership quality on the pitch was really poor. There's ways of doing things and if he didn't want him at the club, fair enough, but I think there's a way you can do it which can be a bit more classy.

"He could have been a bit more respectful of Glenn Whelan."