Whelan was one of a clutch of promising young players who successfully came through the Leeds academy to win the FA Youth Cup in 1993. During the summer of that year he figured in the England Youth squad that won the European Youth Championship on home soil.
He made his Premier League debut for Leeds United at Sheffield Wednesday in May 1993, at the tender age of 18. On his debut for England's Under-21 team, Whelan played at St James' Park in front of a record attendance, scoring the winner against the Republic of Ireland.
"If that chance ever came round again it would be a dream come true. As much as I would love to go back home and play for David O'Leary I don't think that chance is going to come."
He made 58 appearances for The Whites scoring 8 goals.
Noel played his heart out for Leeds and it was a sad day when he left. Maybe it would not have been a bad thing for us to give him another try ?
He certainly would put in a lot more effort than some strikers currently wearing our shirt!