Joey Barton hopes Glenn Whelan will return to next season after playing a pivotal role on and off the pitch in Bristol Rovers' promotion.
The former Stoke City and Aston Villa midfielder has been a reliable lieutenant for the Rovers boss, but at 38 years old it is natural that the retirement question is on the agenda with the season complete.
Whelan, a 92-cap Republic of Ireland international, is not your typical 38-year-old, though. Time and again this season, he has shown he can still survive and thrive in the cut and thrust of central midfield.
His performance against Scunthorpe United on the final day brought calm to the chaos of a remarkable afternoon in the club's history, orchestrating the game from the base of midfield as the Gas romped to a 7-0 win to snatch promotion from Northampton Town's clutches.
Whelan played no small part on the pitch, making 32 league appearances since signing for the Gas as a free agent on a one-year deal in September, but his off-field contributions have been of equal or perhaps greater performance. With several youngsters given roles of great responsibility in Barton's team, the experience and leadership of the likes of Whelan, Paul Coutts and Leon Clarke have been invaluable in developing the winning culture that has driven Rovers to promotion.
The Irishman's mother passed away midway through the season and Barton said she would be proud of her son's achievements, adding he hopes the out-of-contract midfielder returns next season.
"He lost his Mum this year in the midst of the run we were on," Barton said. "We were away at Swindon and he wasn’t with us. She was a big instigator in his football career in driving him on.
"I genuinely thought he was outstanding today. I can’t remember anything he did wrong. Me and Whelo played in the same youth team together and he was a much better player than I was.
"To see him play like that today, I want him to play on next season but you’d have to ask his missus about that.
"But I thought he was unbelievable today. His mum will be smiling down from heaven with Steve Black there as well, certainly really proud of his performance."
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