Keiren Westwood G Crewe Alexandra b.1984

[GypsyBlackCat]

After a string of horrendous performances, Mannone has been dropped for Pantillimon. Obviously the move was right for Westwood at the time, but still goes to show Mannone is no great shakes and Westwood could have played him out of the team.

I doubt Westwood would have. Mannone was SAFC Player of the Year last season and started the well this year. The last couple of weeks he's been poor and needed to to be dropped as his confidence had been hit big team. Westwood was unlucky at Sunderland but Mignolet and Mannone are better keepers. That was the problem for Westwood. He got his chance when Mignolet got injuried and did well but got a knock before the City game and lost his place to Mignolet. When Mignolet got sold to Liverpool, Westwood got his chance but got injuried again and lost it to Mannone. Both keepers ended up begin the clubs Player of the Year. He's not a bad keeper just very unlucky.

[DeLorean]

Although he did have a good spell last season, there's no way I'd agree that Mannone is better than Westwood. He looked poor at Arsenal, started to look extremely dodgy near the end of last season and has been nothing short of horrific in recent weeks.

[Stuttgart88]

I had seen Mannone at Arsenal and over a year ago and never rated him at all. I thought Westwood was by far the better keeper. But Westwood had a very shaky start to last season. Sometimes a keeper can look good behind a shaky devence, but Westwood looked as lost as his defenders sometimes. Mannone was given his chance and he took it well but I think he was in exceptional form by his standards. Now he's back to normal. I feel for him though. When things go wrong for a keeper they often go very wrong. He may have looked stupid but at least his worst errors didn't actually cost them any points.

[DeLorean]

His errors definitely cost them points at the end of last season, notably against Man City and I think he was pretty poor for a Wes Brown own goal against Everton also. He had a bad night at WHL when they lost 5-1 but they were well beaten anyway.

I remember Westwood being blocked off from a corner that lead to a goal early last season, but did he really have a very shaky start otherwise? My memory is that he was going quite well before he got that injury.

[Stuttgart88]

That corner incident was in my mind alright. I thought a few inswinging balls were causing him bother. No errors as such, but failure to impress was more the issue. Agreed, wrt Mannone, though I was really only talking about this season. By themselves last season's errors can be excused but his late season form combined with his early season form this year suggest to me he is being found out now.

[Stuttgart88]

Crucial block by KW on 85 mins to keep SWFC level at 0-0 at Huddersfield. And he has a tricolour on his goalie gloves.

Murphy in nets at the other end. Scannell also playing.

Murphy just saves really well, one on one vs Drenthe on 91 mins. Mad finish to the game.

[GypsyBlackCat]

His errors definitely cost them points at the end of last season, notably against Man City and I think he was pretty poor for a Wes Brown own goal against Everton also. He had a bad night at WHL when they lost 5-1 but they were well beaten anyway.

I remember Westwood being blocked off from a corner that lead to a goal early last season, but did he really have a very shaky start otherwise? My memory is that he was going quite well before he got that injury.

The whole team looked bad under di Canio's dictatorship. If Westwood hadn't got injured as Hull he would have kept his place. It was just bad luck that Mannone (a bit like Mignolet) came in played out of his skin! Westwood was one of the few positives from those first 8 games.

Being a keeper is difficult. You could point to 3/4 games Mannone caused Sunderland last season and you easily point to 3/4 games he got Sunderland the points

[OwlsFan]

Crucial block by KW on 85 mins to keep SWFC level at 0-0 at Huddersfield. And he has a tricolour on his goalie gloves.

Murphy in nets at the other end. Scannell also playing.

Murphy just saves really well, one on one vs Drenthe on 91 mins. Mad finish to the game.

I assume you didn't sit through the first 70 minutes of tedium.

Another clean sheet for Westwood. Ropey enough start for him by his standards but then produced his usual excellent saves and accurate clearances. Not too many comments I see about him leaving the squad injured and then playing early on the Saturday. Must be extremely frustrating for him to see Given back as No. 2 apparently. At his best Westwood is also a better keeper than Forde but the latter has done nothing to be unseated.

Murphy did well but Scannell flattered to deceive. His opponent, Helan, was equally as pacey so Scannell didn't achieve much.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/sheff-weds/sheffield-wednesday-owls-face-battle-to-hold-onto-keiren-westwood-says-matt-murray-1-7000882

There are growing fears Westwood could be lured away from Wednesday when the transfer window reopens in January. His form has been of the highest standard.

Murray said: “Keiren didn’t play enough at S (http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/sheff-weds/sheffield-wednesday-owls-face-battle-to-hold-onto-keiren-westwood-says-matt-murray-1-7000882#)underland but he has shown he can stay fit and play regularly at Wednesday.

“Because of how good Keiren is with his feet, I think he would be even more suited to the Premier League because it’s more about shot-stopping and distribution at that level.

“Keiren will be getting noticed and on people’s radar. He is 30 and coming into his prime.

“If Wednesday don’t tie him down on a long deal soon, someone could come in for him but I think Premier League clubs will looking at him and thinking more next year.

“If Wednesday don’t get him on a longer deal, then clubs will know they can get him on the cheap either in the summer or definitely this time next year.”

[OwlsFan]

Unless he's guaranteed first team football, I doubt if he'd leave. I'd say he's had enough of warming the benches in the Premiership. I don't know enough about the EPL to see whether there are any vacancies there between the sticks, ignoring the temporary crisis at Newcastle.

He's also too injury prone to take a risk on perhaps? He missed the last Irish game due to injury (apparently).

[DeLorean]

Brad Jones is Liverpool's current number one, although it is at the expense of a guy Westwood couldn't dislodge at Sunderland.

[OwlsFan]

Yet another amazing save by Westwood rescues the Owls:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LKYoVttqaA

[Stuttgart88]

Very good. Were the fans singing his name after?

[SwanVsDalton]

Very good save, even if he knew nothing about it. ;)

[OwlsFan]

Most clean sheets (another one last night) in the Championship (and I am not talking about his prowess in the laundrette) and that behind a very average side.

Try searching in Google for "Westwood praise Sheffield Wednesday" and be prepared for pages on links.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/transfer-news/former-coventry-city-goalkeeper-keiren-8377119

Set to snub interest from Liverpool to remain at Wednesday.

[nigel-harps1954]

Rumours have strengthened with Westwood not even in todays squad against Man City.

[Charlie Darwin]

Well it was an FA Cup tie they were unlikely to win. Could even be in Kirkland's contract to play cup games.

[OwlsFan]

Well it was an FA Cup tie they were unlikely to win. Could even be in Kirkland's contract to play cup games.

I don't know. The record between the clubs is Wednesday 42 wins, City 35 and 27 draws so it was something of a "shock" result to see City win.

Yes, Kirkland plays in cup games and Westwood in the league games. That might be the end of Kirkland's season then unless the rumours of Liverpool interest in Westwood are true but unless he gets 1st team football AND a whole heap of money, I doubt if he'll move.

[Charlie Darwin]

Can only imagine it'd be worth his while if Rodgers really doesn't fancy Mignolet and reckons Westwood could be #1, but not sure if Westwood has the short game to suit the manager.

[Charlie Darwin]

Yeah, ok, he'd get ahead of Mignolet easy.

[OwlsFan]

Can only imagine it'd be worth his while if Rodgers really doesn't fancy Mignolet and reckons Westwood could be #1, but not sure if Westwood has the short game to suit the manager.

Westwood's short game is actually very good as his long game.

I hope Rodgers isn't reading this.

[DeLorean]

He would walk straight into the Liverpool XI if he joined now. Rodgers may only see him as a short term fix though with the intention of 'upgrading' in the summer. At least Westwood would be pretty much guaranteed a chance to impress but with Rodgers' own future far from certain, it may be too much of a risk for Westwood, given the fact that his career has just stabilised after a few turbulent years.

[geysir]

Liverpool need to replace 2 goalies, so probably Westwood would be seen to be a solid nr2 and he's already had his fill of that.

Wouldn't you think though, the chance to be a part of a fairytale, minding the goals when Liverpool win the fa cup on Steven Gerrard's birthday and last game for Liverpool, would render him senseless and have him knocking on Anfield's door?:rolleyes:

[Charlie Darwin]

Liverpool need to replace 2 goalies, so probably Westwood would be seen to be a solid nr2 and he's already had his fill of that.

Wouldn't you think though, the chance to be a part of a fairytale, minding the goals when Liverpool win the fa cup on Steven Gerrard's birthday and last game for Liverpool, would render him senseless and have him knocking on Anfield's door?:rolleyes:
Every game playing alongside Steven Gerrard would be his cup final.

[Stuttgart88]

He would walk straight into the Liverpool XI if he joined now. Rodgers may only see him as a short term fix though with the intention of 'upgrading' in the summer. At least Westwood would be pretty much guaranteed a chance to impress but with Rodgers' own future far from certain, it may be too much of a risk for Westwood, given the fact that his career has just stabilised after a few turbulent years.he should have the balls to go for this opportunity. If he gets a chance, which on current relative form he should, and starts well he can elevate himself up a few career notches. There'll always be a Championship club happy to take him if he doesn't do well. He should definitely view this as a rare opportunity to join the big league.

[DeLorean]

Liverpool need to replace 2 goalies, so probably Westwood would be seen to be a solid nr2 and he's already had his fill of that.

I'd say you're right, but if Westwood proved himself worthy of being first choice, then Mignolet might be seen as an adequate back up.


he should have the balls to go for this opportunity. If he gets a chance, which on current relative form he should, and starts well he can elevate himself up a few career notches. There'll always be a Championship club happy to take him if he doesn't do well. He should definitely view this as a rare opportunity to join the big league.

I wouldn't disagree with that to be honest, Liverpool probably would be too big to turn down, if there actually is any substance to this at all. In a strange way it would nearly take more balls to turn it down given the 'what if' question he'd have to live with afterwards. What are the chances of Westwood being elevated straight to number one for us if he joins Liverpool?... an absolute certainty I'd say.

Saw this on Paddy Powers Facebook last night :D....


Steven Gerrard's birthday falls on the same day as the FA Cup final, what a fitting send off it would be if someone could get him a ticket.

[OwlsFan]

he should have the balls to go for this opportunity. If he gets a chance, which on current relative form he should, and starts well he can elevate himself up a few career notches. There'll always be a Championship club happy to take him if he doesn't do well. He should definitely view this as a rare opportunity to join the big league.

No one has made an offer yet and according to the Mirror "Keiren Westwood will reject the chance to return to the Premier League with Liverpool because he wants to repay Sheffield Wednesday for kick-starting his stalled career". I have heard that sort of talk before about loyalty but I think it is very much to be commended if it turns out to be true rather than being castigated for it but we shall see. Wednesday might want to sell him if the money is good enough as they are still losing money.

[Irwin3]

Martinez confirmed this week that Everton will be looking for a 'long-term' goalkeeper during this window. No indication that it would be Westwood, but who knows?

[tetsujin1979]

Linked with Everton in today's papers.

[zero]

surely westwood has moved ahead of forde in the pecking order now? millwall are in real trouble and leaking goals all over the place.

is there no international friendly before we play poland?

[DeLorean]

I'd say he'll only move ahead of him if he actually gets a transfer or Forde has a sticker (for us). In fairness to Forde, conceding lots of goals doesn't necessarily mean he's playing poorly, as much as I'd like to see Westwood as our number one.

No friendly scheduled yet so presume there isn't going to be any. There doesn't seem to be any dates in February (http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/calendar/events.html) allocated to international football this year anyway.

[OwlsFan]

I'd say he'll only move ahead of him if he actually gets a transfer or Forde has a sticker (for us). In fairness to Forde, conceding lots of goals doesn't necessarily mean he's playing poorly, as much as I'd like to see Westwood as our number one.

I would be surprised that even if Westwood was playing for Chelsea he'd be selected ahead of Forde who has done nothing in an Irish jersey to warrant being dropped. I have no doubt that Westwood is a better keeper but how can Forde be dropped based upon his performances to date?

[Irwin3]

Linked with Everton in today's papers.

Only took a week after my hunch! Either someone's had the same hunch or someone'e been scouring the forums looking for transfer gossip, or there is indeed some truth to it.

[Charlie Darwin]

Only took a week after my hunch! Either someone's had the same hunch or someone'e been scouring the forums looking for transfer gossip, or there is indeed some truth to it.
It was actually rumoured the day after your comment, or at least that's when I saw it. Helped that Martinez had said they'd be looking for a permanent keeper around the same time.

[DeLorean]

I would be surprised that even if Westwood was playing for Chelsea he'd be selected ahead of Forde who has done nothing in an Irish jersey to warrant being dropped. I have no doubt that Westwood is a better keeper but how can Forde be dropped based upon his performances to date?

The status of a club often puts players on the map in terms of their international prospects. I know this is different as Westwood is on the map already, but would MON pay more attention to him if he was playing for somebody like Liverpool? At the moment he might see it as a not broken so no point fixing it situation when he may only be splitting hairs determining who's the better keeper. If Westwood was to more up a level, combined with his more favourable age, it could tilt the balance in the other direction. All speculation on my part though.

[OwlsFan]

More accolades for Westwood: http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/credit-across-the-board-2419696.aspx

[DeLorean]

Hopefully he breaks that clean sheet record. It kind of disappoints me that he's 30, he really should have more played for us I think.

[seanfhear]

Hopefully he breaks that clean sheet record. It kind of disappoints me that he's 30, he really should have more played for us I think.Sure 30 is only a slip of a boy for a goalkeeper these days. (if he is lucky with injuries and keeps himself fit and interested)

[nigel-harps1954]

30 is when a goalkeeper really hits their peak. Hopefully a Premier League move in the off-season will see him push on in the international stakes. He really should be our number 1 goalkeeper.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Poor David Forde. I honestly don't see where he has went wrong. I don't think there is much between them at all.

Keane says 5% of what is required is talent. Maybe Forde has the other 95% of what is required and that is why Trapattoni & O'Neill preferred him?

What players could realistically get a move to a PL team this summer if their teams don't get promoted?

Westwood, Randolph, McClean, Hendrick...................... Judge, Murphy, McGoldrick at a stretch.

[dr_peepee]

Another team of the year place in the Championship.....Is he an Irish "Kelvin Davis" or could he hold his own in the PL I wonder.

[Charlie Darwin]

He held his own in the Premier before until he got injured and Sunderland wanted him to stay.

[GypsyBlackCat]

For my money he should be Ireland's No.1. He has been excellent for Sheff Wed this season and he had rotten luck at Sunderland. But he showed enough to say he's a good PL keeper. I'm delighted for the bloke. Finally getting some luck!

[OwlsFan]

For my money he should be Ireland's No.1. He has been excellent for Sheff Wed this season and he had rotten luck at Sunderland. But he showed enough to say he's a good PL keeper. I'm delighted for the bloke. Finally getting some luck!

Who knows, after 15 consecutive seasons out of the top flight, Wednesday may be pushing promotion next season if their new Far Eastern fish producers invest, which would make Westwood a sprightly 32 should they return. Plenty time for him with a bit of for-tuna.

[DeLorean]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUc7G2Cj4AA

[tetsujin1979]

Taken off with an injury yesterday, and was taken to hospital for scans. Not known at the moment if he'll be available for the owls' midweek game against Reading.

[OwlsFan]

Bruised kidney apparently. Wouldn't be an expert on how serious that sort of injury is.

[geysir]

A bruise is good news,
as in "how's the kidney?" "it's only bruised, thank God"

[OwlsFan]

Misses the game against Reading on Wednesday. Apparently even before the injury at Ipswich, he wasn't having one of his better games.