Experienced EFL goalkeeper Keiren Westwood surprises fans by signing for League Two club Crewe Alexandra after a two-year absence.
Westwood comes in on a short-term deal having been away from the sport for two years and seemingly retired, but has now took up the opportunity to get back between the sticks at the age of 39.
Westwood had spent much of his career at Hillsborough, making a total of 199 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday during his seven-year tenure from 2014 to 2021.
He left the club as a free agent and briefly played for QPR in the 2021/2022 season.
Following his departure from QPR, Westwood trained with Crewe, who are currently striving for promotion from League Two this season.
Crewe Alexandra are delighted to announce the signing of Keiren Westwood on a short-term deal.
Welcome, @WestwoodKeiren 🧤🔴#CreweAlex
— Crewe Alexandra (@crewealexfc) February 8, 2024
CLUB STATEMENT:
Crewe Alexandra have signed keeper Keiren Westwood on a short-term deal.
The 39-year-old former Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry City man has joined the squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with Crawley Town.
Westwood, who has long been a regular part of the training group at Reaseheath, has also represented the likes of QPR, Sunderland and Carlisle in a career that has spanned 519 appearances.
He also earned 21 caps for Republic of Ireland.
Manager Lee Bell said: “Keiren is going to sign for an initial month and then we will take it from there.
“He’s a brilliant professional and has been around the club for three years. He came with us as part of the coaching team when Fred (Barber) was ill earlier in the season.
“He’s got great experience and he is a great influence. I’ve told him his job is to push Harvey (Davies), so he knows there is pressure on him and he has to perform.
“He has had plenty of offers in this league, higher above, and abroad. He’s never retired but he only wants to do things that are right for him and his family. We are delighted to have him.”
Everybody at Crewe Alexandra would like to welcome Keiren to the Club and wish him all the best for the rest of the season.
Day 1 of Preseason 22 complete ✅ at my second home 🏡 very grateful to the manager and my GK guru Fred at @crewealexfc always look after me and always welcome me with open arms! Not a bad looking gk Union here as well 😍😂🧤#gkunion #keepers #preseason pic.twitter.com/w2CqYeBp4L
— Keiren Westwood (@WestwoodKeiren) June 26, 2023
Just came across these beauties 😍 while sorting some boxes 📦 #safc #ccfc #swfc #cufc #gk #gkunion #keeper pic.twitter.com/33kHeKEMXT
— Keiren Westwood (@WestwoodKeiren) November 19, 2023
WESTWOOD’S CAREER:
Youth career
Fletcher Moss Rangers
–2003 – Manchester City
Senior career
2003–2004 – Manchester City
2003–2004 → Oldham Athletic (loan)
2004–2008 – Carlisle United – 152 games
2008–2011 – Coventry City – 138 games
2011–2014 – Sunderland – 24 games
2014–2021 – Sheffield Wednesday – 184 games
2022 – Queens Park Rangers – 6 games
2024 – Crewe Alexandra
International career
2009–2017 – Republic of Ireland – 21 games
Honours
Carlisle United
Football League Two: 2005–06
Republic of Ireland
Nations Cup: 2011
Individual
PFA Team of the Year: 2007–08 League One, 2008–09 Championship, 2014–15 Championship
Carlisle United Player of the Year: 2007–08
Coventry City Player of the Year: 2009–10
Sheffield Wednesday Player of the Year: 2014–15
On this day in 2014… 🗓️
Keiren Westwood signed for Sheffield Wednesday! 🦉@WestwoodKeiren#SWFCpic.twitter.com/7PcmcjEIZ2
— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) July 7, 2023
This is how fans reacted as the experienced EFL goalkeeper surprises fans by signing for Crewe after a two-year absence…
@andymcelwaine: Good look Westy. We still haven’t even come remotely close to replacing you at Hillsborough.
@CabezaJake: The return of the greatest EFL keeper this Century .. good to see! 👌🏻
@AdamSWFC__: Miss you westy 💙
@GlingK03: Incredible signing. He would still do a job at @swfc
@IllustrationsJf: Great to see him back in action. We miss you at Wednesday Westwood.
@Leef96: Best keeper Carlisle united ever had shame back then we would always sell our best players
@WednesdayRetro: All the best @WestwoodKeiren
@susie351975: The best goalie 🩵🫶
@LbRudyard: It’s been 3 years and we still haven’t replaced Westy. Unbelievable keeper with brilliant experience. Treat him well, lads.
@LDBtalks: This team is absolutely COOKING on paper…
@crewealex7: Looking a good gate Saturday – 5000 Alex, 150 Crawley, 1500 Owls 🦉 #swfc 😂
@TylerBirtles: Great bit of business that, certainly knows the club having spent plenty of time with them. Hope he actually makes an appearance, but I’d imagine it’s to keep us strengthened whilst Boothy is out. Good luck, @WestwoodKeiren! 🤝🏻#CreweAlex
@tcswfc: gu on westy
@LowleyW: I now support Crewe Alexandra.
@AndyisLive: Bet he could still be No. 1 at Hillsborough, good luck westy!
@KevinWi63142635: Good luck Westy! Cannot believe no one snapped you up. Some keeper you are and missed sorely. Don’t think I will ever watch a cleverer GK again at Hillsborough. Full package!!! Hope you have fun!☘️🧤🇮🇪🦉
@AdamBrazendale: Welcome and all the very best. Looking forward to you continuing to help us progress up the leagues.👏👍
@LbRudyard: Best of luck, Westy. Make it a great ending to a great career. 💙🦉
@Joshswfc6: still knocking about guon westy
@GAlllsop: Good luck Kieran all the best what a keeper for the massive
@DanielRovers_: Thought he retired? Class if so (came out of retirement)
@Owlsonline: Wishing you all the best Westy!
@dankitson2003: I’d take him now 😭 #swfc
@swainy997: Blast from the past
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