He also wrote the foreword to The First Black Footballer: Arthur Wharton 1865–1930 An Absence of Memory (1998) and is the author of The Birth of the Babes: Manchester United Youth Policy 1950–1957, which explores the impact of youth development and the building of the Busby Babes side at Manchester United. In March 2008, The Voice included him on a list of the 30 most influential black people in English football in recognition of his work developing elite young players. In October 2008, he received an award at the House of Lords from Kick It Out acknowledging his inclusion in the list. In 2015, Whelan successfully completed a professional doctorate entitled "Pastoral Care of Premier League Academy Schoolboy Footballers (with particular reference to Manchester United)". In July 2020, Whelan received the Eamonn Dolan award from the Premier League for his role in the Manchester United academy and his contribution to youth coaching. References External links Profile at redStat NASL stats 1952 births Living people Alumni of the Open University American Soccer League (1933–1983) players Atlanta Chiefs players Footballers from Salford People from Wythenshawe English footballers English expatriate footballers Black British sportspeople Association football forwards English Football League players Fort Lauderdale Strikers (1977–1983) players Los Angeles Skyhawks players Major Indoor Soccer League (1978–1992) players Manchester City F.C. players Manchester City F.C. non-playing staff Manchester United F.C. non-playing staff North American Soccer League (1968–1984) players North American Soccer League (1968–1984) indoor players Philadelphia Fever (MISL) players Rochdale A.F.C. players Alumni of Manchester Metropolitan University Witton Albion F.C. players English expatriate sportspeople in the United States Expatriate soccer players in the United States