Ex-Sheffield Wednesday star Glenn Whelan reflects on deadline day exit to Stoke City

Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Glenn Whelan has reflected on his exit from the club back in 2008. Whelan, 38, departed the Owls after four years in South Yorkshire, leaving for Stoke City in the Premier League.

Then manager Brian Laws did have intentions of keeping hold of the former Republic of Ireland international, with a deal said to have been agreed with the Potters at the 11th hour.

Part of the 2005 promotion-winning side back to the Championship, the ex-Villa man enjoyed a strong career in England's top flight and still turned out 33 times for Bristol Rovers in League Two last season.

Speaking candidly about his spell at Wednesday, the former Fleetwood man insisted he knew of the interest but remained confident he would be staying with the Owls.

"I loved my time at Wednesday. I spoke to the manager at the time and there was a little bit of interest but he was like 'We want to keep you'," began Whelan. "I was more than happy to do that. I finished training, this is on the last day of the window, went home and then got a phone call about 5pm saying that the club had agreed a fee.

"I spoke to Brian Laws again and he basically said the club had agreed the sale behind his back a little bit. Once that happened I was questioning what to do. Did I go and speak or do I dig my heels in. I think at the time Stoke were second in the Championship. Wednesday were about mid-table.

"The year before I left Wednesday that season we finished a few points outside the play-offs. It was all about kicking on for the next season but then of course we sold Chris Brunt, one of our key players, to West Brom.

"I was thinking do I sit in and stay or go for chance to get to the Premier League with Stoke. It was all last-minute and a bit