Keiren Westwood G Crewe Alexandra b.1984

**CraftyToePoke** · 25/05/2016, 8:50 PM

This would be my take also, the forward planning angle, post tournament will see us minus Given & Forde with Randolph unlikely to start the season as first choice, and we aren't excatly overburdened with other emerging options. On these grounds, Westwoods reluctance to be third choice are neither here nor there, as he will very likely be needed very soon.

**geysir** · 26/05/2016, 4:55 PM

Originally Posted by DeLorean

Oh yeah, in fairness Packie was very clear that he knew no more than ourselves. He's obviously just going by O'Neill's comments on Westwood in the past I guess. I wonder will O'Neill save Westwood or Forde the bother of joining up with the squad if they're not going to make the cut? It would seem a bit much dragging them over to basically tell them they haven't made it, and is there much point in being involved against Belarus if they haven't?

I'm afraid that Packie does have the inside info on the (mentality) issues which have affected Westwood's place in the pecking order.
He was stuttering over which words to use, probably to maintain some diplomacy, but Packie sounded very definite that there were mentality issues strong enough to cast him behind Forde and Given
Packie knew enough to state that Westwood would probably look back with age and experience and prob look to change that and would need some development.

I didn't hear Packie say he didn't know more than ourselves but I heard him say that he could be totally wrong over Westwood not getting into the squad.

**DeLorean** · 26/05/2016, 9:50 PM

Yeah, my wording wasn't the best, I just meant he wasn't claiming to know anymore than the rest of us and he made it clear enough that he is only speculating. I've a feeling he's wrong though and that Westwood will get the nod over Forde, fingers crossed.

**geysir** · 26/05/2016, 10:10 PM

Packie kept saying that it was Given ahead of Westwood.
Randolph and Forde being one and two. with Shay winning the third place ahead of Westwood.

If I am true to myself (as Packie suggests you have to be)
as it stands now, Westwood is only there as cover for Shay, in case there is a medic brave and reckless enough to declare Shay unfit.

You can hope Packie is wrong, but are you being true to yourself?

**Charlie Darwin** · 26/05/2016, 10:34 PM

Will we be allowed call Westwood up as a replacement when Given gets injured?

**DeLorean** · 27/05/2016, 7:33 AM

Originally Posted by geysir

You can hope Packie is wrong, but are you being true to yourself?

I'm holding out the hope that Martin will be true to himself in the end and realise it's plain daft to take Forde over Westwood.

I don't know how much Packie knows though, I'm hoping not a lot.

**Stuttgart88** · 27/05/2016, 7:41 AM

Where's Paul McShane when we need him to accidentally take out one of our lesser keepers in training?

**geysir** · 27/05/2016, 7:59 AM

Does the presence of Rodgers put Westwood into 5th place, the ultimate humiliation?

And for the future post Euros, Packie (the man in the know and one who's true to himself) emphatically states that Westwood will likely be in third place, trying to dislodge both Elliot and Randolph.
I would have asked Packie to give an example of what he describes as a "mentality issue". I might have had a few of those mentality issues in secondary school.

**paul_oshea** · 27/05/2016, 9:45 AM

I think you're reading way too much into it. Were those mental issues Paranoia by any chance?

**geysir** · 27/05/2016, 7:32 PM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

I think you're reading way too much into it.

Why do you think that?
I don't read anything into what the mentality issues are. I listened to the interview and Packie mention Westwood's mentality issues repeatedly, I am curious to know what Packie is on about and why he thinks and agrees that they are serious enough to cast Westwood aside.
There are reasons for Westwood being relegated.

If I am giving too much weight to what Packie is saying then Westwood will surely be included in the Euro squad regardless of Forde and Shay's fitness levels.

**Stuttgart88** · 28/05/2016, 8:42 AM

I think Packie is using "mentality" as a catch all phrase meaning "anything but playing ability". Westwood is our best keeper but is not our number one because of other reasons.

**DeLorean** · 28/05/2016, 9:07 AM

I really don't think Packie knows any more than the rest of us, he seems to be analysing the same O'Neill comments that we are. That's not to say he's wrong though, but Westwood not making the squad wouldn't prove that Packie was 'in the know', it would just prove that he read the situation correctly.

**paul_oshea** · 28/05/2016, 3:42 PM

That's how I see it too. Packie wouldn't be aware of anything the general public know. I also think O'Neill is very measured and wouldn't be letting anyone know his feelings on things or players outside of a very close circle -that circle being his trusted advisors/team.

We all feel the same about Westwood not making the squad for the said reasons regardless of what packie says or even knows.

**Stuttgart88** · 28/05/2016, 4:34 PM

Great reaction save on 33 mins

**DeLorean** · 28/05/2016, 4:51 PM

He's class.

**DannyInvincible** · 28/05/2016, 5:05 PM

He's been very good for the first half. A few great saves.

**DannyInvincible** · 28/05/2016, 5:17 PM

Has had another great save in this half.

Being described by the Sky commentators as the "man of the moment" and the "solitary reason Sheffield Wednesday are still in this".

**DeLorean** · 28/05/2016, 5:53 PM

Westwood deserved better, Wednesday didn't. Could have done with a bit of McGeady magic.

**DeLorean** · 28/05/2016, 5:58 PM

"The goalkeeper for them made some unbelievable, world class saves to keep them in the game". - Michael Dawson.

**DannyInvincible** · 28/05/2016, 6:11 PM

Westwood looked devastated at the end. He got a touch to the ball for their goal, but it was a great finish. Hard to fault him really; doubt many keepers would have stopped it. He had a great game despite the loss. Unlucky for him.

If he was to start against Belarus (I really hope he does) and was to pull off some similar saves, you'd hope it'd sway O'Neill. He'll save us a few goals at the finals if he plays; no doubt about that.