Hearts fans are happy to see Glenn Whelan leave the club after only four months, according to BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer Tom English.
The Republic of Ireland international left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday after new manager Daniel Stendel questioned Whelan’s leadership abilities.
While many in Ireland, including former teammate Stephen Elliot, felt that this criticism was unfair, English revealed on Off The Ball that Whelan is not likely to be missed among Hearts fans.
“I don’t think any of this should come as a surprise. The team is playing appallingly. Whelan had a good start with Hearts. He came in and played well, looked hungry, was having an influence, fans liked him.
“I was talking to some Hearts people today and a couple of other people around the club and they all felt that his heart wasn’t quite in it. But he was getting by and playing okay,” English commented.
According to English's sources within the club, players and fans alike were unconvinced by the level of commitment the Ireland international showed to at the club.
“When the Republic of Ireland played Denmark - after that, it’s been seven games Hearts have played since that game - and he hasn’t looked the same player as he did before.
“He’s looked, according to them, he has looked disinterested and he hasn’t mixed with the other players that much. He has built no relationship with the youth players in the club - some of the youth players say, ‘I don’t think he even knows my name.'
“So he hasn’t invested, according to the fans and according to some people around the club - he hasn’t invested in the club in the way he hoped they would.
“I can tell you, if you look at the Hearts club forums and a number of Hearts pals of mine - not one person is sorry to see him go. Not one,” English revealed.
Whelan does not yet have another club lined up but is looking to feature for Ireland in their upcoming Euro 2020 qualifying playoff against Slovakia in March.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
