When Joey Barton brought Glenn Whelan back into the fold at Bristol Rovers this summer, it was in a coaching capacity. The 38-year-old's playing availability was a bonus to be leaned on in "emergency situations".
But circumstances have dictated that the former Stoke City and Aston Villa midfielder has been required in all three games this season. Injuries, patient recruitment strategy and a suspension have all combined to leave Barton short of options.
With Paul Coutts, Jordan Rossiter, Sam Finley and Josh Grant available again, plus Barton's assurances that dominoes are starting to fall in the transfer market, Whelan's transition from player to coach is set to gather pace.
