Kieren Westwood has made a return to football after the former Carlisle United and Coventry City goalkeeper announced he had joined the coaching staff of a European side.
The ex-Ireland international had made a brief return to football earlier in the year with Crewe Alexandra but failed to make an appearance for The Railwaymen during the latter stages of last season.
A New Saint
“I’m delighted to share that I have taken my first steps on my coaching journey by joining @tnsfc as the Head of Goalkeeping!
“Since the start of November, I’ve been enjoying every moment of this role. Passing on my knowledge and experience to our talented ‘keepers has been incredibly fulfilling.
“A huge thank you to the manager and all the staff for their amazing support. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to be part of the team and to gain experience coaching in the Europa Conference League. Here’s to new beginnings and exciting challenges ahead.”
The Oswestry-based side have been embarking on their first-ever season in the group stages of a European competition, already playing Italian heavyweights Fiorentina as well as a win over FC Astana to keep them in the play-off positions for the next round of the UEFA Conference League.
In domestic competitions, TNS are currently second in the league but cut the advantage of leaders Penybont to a point after beating them in their last game. They have a game in hand on their foes, meaning they have the chance to reclaim the top spot and aim for a fourth straight title.
Writer’s View
Kieren Westwood has all the nous he needs to succeed at being a football coach and it is a brilliant place to start with a successful side like The New Saints and already gain experience with European competitions. Across his recent playing career at Queens Park Rangers and Crewe he has acted as a mentor to the other, younger keepers that have started ahead of him. Good luck to Kieren and his future endeavours as a coach in football.
Football journalist with The Real EFL since 2023. A 2024 Multimedia Journalism graduate from the University of Salford, Lewis specialises in Salford City FC and EFL coverage.
