Glenn Whelan - Released

[Matt Collins]

Liked what I saw

Much much better passer than Jedinak, who was a rock last season but also a problem (awful passing, meant we had to play three in midfield)

[KRS]

If Hourihane and Lansbury could work as hard and contribute as much as Whelan then we'd have a very strong midfield.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Looked really good. He gave the impression he is one of those players who just isnt going to do something stupid. Not only that but he tackles and passes very well.

We have been missing someone like him for a while.

[rob_bridge]

I think good signing for where we are at.

[Matt Collins]

Such a massive disappointment so far

I'm just hoping he finds his feet after a few games like Jedinak did

[itbrvilla]

I think good signing for where we are at.

Trapdoor?

[QuintonVilla]

Oohhh what a feeling, when you start with Glenn Whelan!

Need to get that song going properly at Brizzle. About time we had some new player songs.

[Deano's Mullet]

Thought he did well today, kept it simple most of the time and won the ball a fair few times.

[willenhall villa]

I've been pleased with what I've seen of him in the home games. I'd like to see his running stats as he gets round the midfield a lot. His range of passing is impressive and positive, helped today by having a proper target man to aim at.

[johnc]

Great game. Mopped up in front of defence. Played a lot of quick balls to change defence into attack

[adrenachrome]

Great game. Mopped up in front of defence. Played a lot of quick balls to change defence into attack

Good point.

There are games when mopping up and progressive quick balls are needed, and other times when cruching tackles and winning aerial contests are more important. The top defensive midfielders have it all, but they are usually in the top divisions. 

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Great game. Mopped up in front of defence. Played a lot of quick balls to change defence into attack

Good point.

There are games when mopping up and progressive quick balls are needed, and other times when cruching tackles and winning aerial contests are more important. The top defensive midfielders have it all, but they are usually in the top divisions. 

Agreed. Right now he's been asked to do too much. Get those in front of him putting in a shift and I think he'll conduct the game. He's no spring chicken but his experience is priceless. We just need to use it correctly.

[Matt Collins]

As much as we've bemoaned the lack of attacking football, it's also true we had a weak underbelly away from home all last season; and we've conceded a lot of goals already this

I reckon Whelan and Jedi will start together in a lot of away games maybe starting with Bristol

[garyshawsknee]

Just listened to the Guardian podcast where they discussed the Ireland game.  One of the journalist made the point that in the Irish press, it is being discussed, " What is the point of Glenn Whelan? " as they say he doesn't screen the back four.  Wonder how long till that's being discussed on here ?

[aj2k77]

I would expect Jedinak to be taking his place anyway sometime soon. Not sure what the point was in signing him, I would have gone for someone a bit younger myself with potential sell on value.