Corey Whelan is “excited for the project” at AFC Fylde after signing a two-year deal at Mill Farm, with an option of a third year.
Whelan, 26, becomes Chris Beech’s latest recruit after penning a contract with the Coasters having spent the previous three seasons at Carlisle United.
Corey, who represented the Republic of Ireland at youth levels including U17s and U21s, was a part of Paul Simpson’s Cumbrians side who won promotion up to Sky Bet League One through the play-offs at Wembley Stadium in May 2023.
The Chester-born, Liverpool academy graduate brings invaluable experience to the squad, having played over 100 games in the EFL for Yeovil Town, Crewe Alexandra, Wigan Athletic and Carlisle, as well as the USL Championship with Phoenix Rising.
And after reuniting with Beech – who he played for at Carlisle during his stay at Brunton Park – Whelan is excited to get going and to work with the Coasters Head Coach once again ahead of the 2024/25 Vanarama National League campaign.
Whelan said: “I’m really excited for the season ahead. It got done relatively quickly. I always had it in the back of my mind that it was an option, so once we’d spoken and agreed, I was excited to get it over the line and get started.
“I’d worked with the manager before, we’ve always been in close contact since he left Carlisle, so we spoke and interacted, then we got it over the line, so it’s great to be here.
“The project really excites me, I came to have a look round, there’s loads of pro’s as to why I wanted to come here. Like I said, it’s a project moving forward that we want to be successful.
“I’m a passionate player. I give everything when I step out onto the field, and to be 100% and all in. I like to get on the ball and keep things ticking over. I like to disrupt the opposition, so I’d like to think I’m okay in both boxes as well.”
Whelan, who can play in both defensive and midfield positions, says that the Coasters supporters will play an important role from the stands next season.
He added: “I hope the Fylde fans can just come out in your numbers and support us. It’s massive and the fans support last year was massive, when you do hit difficult points in the season, they give you an extra boost, so we’re going to try everything we can to put performances on week-in-week-out.”
Get to know Corey better by learning five facts about the new Coasters man below!
1) Whelan was born on 10th December 1997 in Chester and came through the youth academy of Premier League giants Liverpool, turning professional at Anfield.
2) After loans to Yeovil and Crewe to aid his development, Corey moved on permanently to the USA to sign for Phoenix Rising of the USL Championship in July 2019 following his Liverpool departure.
3) He made 51 league appearances for Phoenix before returning to England with Wigan on a short-term deal in January 2021, helping the Latics retain their Sky Bet League One status.
4) The same summer, Corey joined Carlisle, spending three seasons in total at Brunton Park, making 81 appearances for the Cumbrians and playing his part in their promotion to the third-tier in May 2023.
5) Whelan is also capped at youth level by the Republic of Ireland, having represented the Boys in Green at U17s and U21 level.
Everyone at AFC Fylde would like to welcome Corey to the club.
Corey is signed-up for the 2024/25 season, and now you can by purchasing an AFC Fylde season ticket by CLICKING HERE
