On Saturday, it was tears of joy at the prospect of seeing his beloved Wigan in their first FA Cup semi-final following the most astonishing 202 seconds Goodison will witness all year.
Whelan, should anyone have spent the past few days with their head in a bucket, spent much of Tuesday sobbing his heart out as he recalled how he broke his leg in the 1960 final. It has taken 53 years and a lifetime of trials and tribulations but the former Blackburn left-back is about to make that journey south once more.
Before their trip to Everton, the Latics had never been beyond the quarter-finals and only reached the last eight once, 26 long years ago.
But do not let anyone suggest their place in the last four was all thanks to Everton having an off day, even though they clearly were not at their best.
Watch video Highlights of Everton V Wigan from FA TV below.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG