Born in 1961 Ronnie Whelan began his football career in the Irish League, before being signed by Liverpool under manager Bob Paisley in 1979 for a cut price £35,000. Signing Whelan proved to be a very shrewd investment as he went on to captain the club and make over 400 appearances for Liverpool.
Whelan was a hard working skilful midfield player, who could also double up as a defender when required, he made his debut against Stoke City in 1981 and crowned his debut with a goal in the 3-0 victory.
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It was the 1981-82 season that Ronnie Whelan established a regular place in the Liverpool first team, a season that would see Liverpool win the League Cup with Whelan scoring two goals against Spurs in the final. Liverpool then went onto win the League title, and as if that was enough for his first full season, Whelan was then voted as the young player of the year.
Having succeed his midfield role from the great Ray Kennedy, Whelan fitted into the role straight away, never looking out of his depth in this great Liverpool team. They retained both the League title and the League Cup the following season, with Whelan scoring again in the final, this time against Manchester United.
Things just got better for Liverpool as the 1984 season saw them win a treble of trophies, retaining the League title, the league Cup and the not so small addition of the European Cup, as Liverpool won this trophy for the fourth time.
Despite a surprising trophy less season during 1985, Ronnie Whelan had a great season during the 1985/86 campaign as Liverpool won the League Cup and FA Cup when they beat Merseyside rivals Everton in the final.
After missing much of the 1987/88 season through injury and losing his place in the team to Nigel Spackman, Ronnie bounced back the following season being made club captain following a long term injury to Alan Hansen, as Liverpool won the FA Cup in the 1988/89 season, but narrowly missed out on the League title as Arsenal scored in the final seconds of the season to clinch the title.
Whelan was part of the Liverpool team that reclaimed the title in 1990, however due to injuries and the emergence of new players Ronnie Whelan's appearances for Liverpool were now diminishing, Despite a resurgence under manager Graeme Souness his days at Liverpool now seemed numbered, as he faced competition for his place from players like Steve McManaman and Jamie Redknapp and he left Liverpool to Southend United in 1994 after making 443 Appearances and scoring 73 goals, he will always remain a Liverpool Football Club legend.
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