Whelan Will be With us for a While Longer

Stoke City have confirmed today that midfielder and Ireland international Glenn Whelan has penned a new deal that will keep him at the Britannia Stadium for another three-and-a-half-years, with the option of another year on top of that.

The 27-year-old has been a major part of the success story in the Potteries since he arrived from Sheffield Wednesday in the January transfer window of 2008 for a fee of around £500,000, and continues to be an influential member of the squad, making 25 appearances so far this season in all competitions.

2011 was certainly a year that will go down in Glenn`s career as a memorable one after helping Stoke to reach the FA Cup Final for the first time in the club`s history, which ultimately saw the Potters qualify for the Europa League. Not only that but he also represented Stoke in the Irish national team, making regular appearances and consistent performances to aid them to qualify for the Euro 2012 finals.

Gaffer Tony Pulis was pleased with the news and praised his influential midfielder to the official site saying: "Glenn has played a big part of our achievements since he came to the club, and it`s important to look after players who have been the bedrock of that success.

"He has had a fantastic time these past 12 months, and he`s show that he`s a player who thrives on being challenged to step up to the next level.

"That`s probably the Celtic blood in him and a steely determination to prove people wrong, which has included even myself on occasions."

Whelan is said to be delighted to extend his stay at the Britannia Stadium, and hopes that by committing his long term future to the club, he will still have that influential part of the continuing success at Stoke City under the management of Pulis.

With all the hard work and true grit this lad has given to club and country, this renewal of contract could be just the perfect present for his 28th birthday on Friday.

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