Chris Westwood

Christopher John Westwood (born 13 February 1977) is an English former professional footballer.

Career

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Westwood began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers as a youth trainee, making his league debut for Wolves in September 1997. He scored once for the club against Portsmouth in December 1997. He was released by Wolves at the end of the 1997–98 season having made four league appearances for the club.

Reading

Westwood moved to Reading in 1998 but first team chances at both clubs were limited and in his one season with the Berkshire club he did not make a senior league appearance.

Hartlepool United

On 24 March 1999, Westwood signed for Third Division side Hartlepool United from Telford United on a free transfer. Hartlepool's manager Chris Turner had previously coached Westwood whilst at Wolves. He made only four appearances for the club during the 1998–99 season before managing to establish himself as an essential member of the squad in the coming seasons. During the 1999–2000 season, he formed a strong partnership with fellow centre-back Graeme Lee, making 33 league appearances as Hartlepool reached the play-offs. For the five following seasons, Westwood missed only 21 league matches as Hartlepool earned a promotion to the Second Division in 2002–03 and reached the play-offs on two further occasions. His performances during Hartlepool's 2002–03 campaign earned him an inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year for the Third Division. His final game for the club came in the 2005 League One play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday. With Hartlepool leading 2–1 late into the match, Westwood conceded a penalty and subsequently received a red card for the foul. Hartlepool would go on to lose the match 4–2 after extra time. Over the course of seven seasons at Victoria Park, Westwood made 294 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals.

Walsall

He rejected a new deal at Hartlepool at the end of the 2004–05 season due to family reasons; returning to the West Midlands with Walsall on 1 July 2005. Westwood helped Walsall to promotion in the 2006–07 season; winning the League Two title by one point ahead of former club Hartlepool. His performances earned him an inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year for a second time..

Peterborough United

Westwood was signed by Peterborough United from Walsall on a three-year deal on 14 May 2007, and aided in the team's back-to-back promotions to League One and the Championship.

Cheltenham Town (loan)

On 6 January 2009, Westwood moved on an initial one-month loan to Cheltenham Town, which was later extended for a further month. Following Peterborough's promotion to the Championship, Westwood was placed on the transfer list.

Wycombe Wanderers

On 9 July 2009, Westwood signed a two-year contract with League One side Wycombe Wanderers after his contract with Peterborough was cancelled.

Wrexham

Westwood left Wycombe in June 2011 after rejecting their offer of a new contract and signed for Wrexham on a two-year deal. Westwood scored his first goal for Wrexham in a 2–2 draw against Grimsby Town. In March 2013 Westwood made his first appearance at Wembley Stadium in the FA Trophy Final which he won with Wrexham, beating Grimsby Town on penalties after the match ended 1–1, Westwood successfully converted a penalty in the shoot out. On 21 April Westwood was awarded the Wrexham player of the year award for the 2012–13 season.

On 13 May 2013, it was confirmed that Westwood would not be offered a new contract for the 2013–14 season.

Alfreton Town

Westwood join fellow Conference National side Alfreton Town on 5 July 2013, signing a one-year contract. He made his debut on the opening day of the season in a 1–0 defeat away to Dartford.

Hednesford Town

Westwood joined Hednesford Town in September 2014, making his debut against Stockport County FC on 6 September.

Halesowen Town

Westwood joined Evo Slik Northern Premier League side Halesowen Town in August 2015.

Personal life

After retiring from football, Westwood became a support worker with Wolverhampton-based care providers Sevacare.

Career statistics

Honours

Hartlepool United
* Football League Third Division second-place promotion: 2002–03

Walsall
* Football League Two: 2006–07

Peterborough United
* Football League One second-place promotion: 2008–09
*Football League Two second-place promotion: 2007–08

Wrexham
* FA Trophy: 2012–13

Individual
* PFA Team of the Year: 2002–03 Third Division, 2006–07 League Two
*Wrexham Player of the Year: 2012–13

References

External links

Chris Westwood profile
at Alfreton Town F.C.
*

{{DEFAULTSORT:Westwood, Chris
1977 births
Living people
Footballers from Dudley
English men's footballers
Men's association football defenders
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. players
Reading F.C. players
Hartlepool United F.C. players
Walsall F.C. players
Peterborough United F.C. players
Cheltenham Town F.C. players
Wycombe Wanderers F.C. players
Wrexham A.F.C. players
Alfreton Town F.C. players
Hednesford Town F.C. players
Halesowen Town F.C. players
English Football League players
National League (English football) players