Glenn Whelan ends Hearts spell after four months by mutual agreement

Glenn Whelan has left Hearts of Midlothian by mutual consent, the Scottish Premiership club announced earlier today with a short statement.

The statement read: “Glenn Whelan has today left Heart of Midlothian Football Club by mutual agreement. The Republic of Ireland midfielder made 17 appearances during his four-month spell in Gorgie. The club wishes Glenn well in the future.”

Hearts are currently bottom of the table in the SPFL with 13 points from 21 games. Although Whelan’s time at the club started promisingly, relations between the 35-year-old midfielder and management have soured in recent weeks.

Daniel Stendel took over as Hearts boss at the start of December and played Whelan in his first three games in charge. However, following a St Stephen's day derby defeat to Hibs in which Whelan did not feature, Stendel publicly criticised the Republic of Ireland international.

Speaking to The Scotsman about Whelan, Stendel said: "I can say he is a good type. He wants to take responsibility, but I have seen only three games. Do you have the feeling he is a leader in this group? It's not Glenn’s fault – but a real leader in the centre of the pitch? Sorry. Maybe I missed it. Michael Smith tries to take responsibility on the pitch.

"Before I came here, they signed some players who have experience and are the right age to take the responsibility but maybe they are not fit at the moment or they cannot handle the situation at the moment."