Man United academy legend Tony Whelan issues statement after leaving the club following 34 year-stint | OneFootball

Manchester United academy stalwart Tony Whelan has issued a statement, following his retirement from his role after more than three decades.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Whelan quietly left the club after 34 years in various roles.

Whelan came through the youth ranks at United under Sir Matt Busby and later played for the reserves before he was invited back in a coaching capacity by Nobby Stiles and Brian Kidd.

He went on to serve as the academy head of coaching and academy programme adviser during his latter years. Under Whelan, a total of 97 academy graduates made their first-team debut for United.

In 2020, he was given the Premier League’s Eamonn Dolan Award for his outstanding contribution to youth development.

He released a statement to the Manchester Evening News, reflecting on his time at Old Trafford and some of his remarkable achievements.

“After many dedicated to Manchester United, father time has gently tapped me on the shoulder, and I have now stepped down from my role at the academy.”

“I wanted to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my amazing journey with this magnificent football club.”

“Serving Manchester United has undoubtedly been one of the honours and privileges of my life. My story with the club began in the autumn of 1967 when I was spotted by the legendary scout Joe Armstrong while playing for my town team, Stretford Boys. I was just 14 years old and thought all my Christmases had come at once.”

“I signed schoolboy forms with the club, became an apprentice in 1968 and turned professional in December 1969. My time as a player at Manchester United was unforgettable, and I still cherish every moment to this day. However, all good things come to an end and I left the club in February 1973 to continue my career elsewhere.”

“Little did I know that, 17 years later, I would return as a youth coach. This unexpected turn of events gave me the unbelievable opportunity to work with so many wonderful people – players, parents and colleagues – over the course of three decades.”

“Throughout my coaching career I have been blessed with the help, support and encouragement of countless colleagues and friends who have earned my deepest respect, gratitude and affection. They know who they are, and I will remain forever indebted to them.”

“My guiding principle as a coach has always been to instil in young players a lifelong love of the game, one that will stay with them long after their childhood years. If I have achieved this, even in a small way, then I am extremely humbled.”

He added, “As I step away, I do so with the utmost confidence in the club’s future. I wish Manchester United every success and look forward to watching the outstanding graduates of the academy continue to make their way into the first team, carrying on the club’s peerless tradition for developing homegrown players, a legacy that goes all the way back to Tom Manley in 1931.”

“I feel a great sense of pride and satisfaction to have played a small part in this incredible journey and I leave with nothing but the fondest of memories. Meanwhile, you will still see me at the far post.”

United are back in action on Friday when they host Leicester in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

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