Where Sheffield Wednesday's best paid player from 10 years ago is right now | OneFootball

From Sheffield Wednesday’s star goalkeeper to coaching in the Welsh Premier League: Keiren Westwood’s career path

Ten years ago, Sheffield Wednesday were a team in transition. Stuart Gray’s side finished 13th in the 14/15 Championship season, navigating a campaign of mid-table stability while uncertainty loomed off the pitch.

A proposed takeover by Azerbaijani businessman Hafiz Mammadov collapsed in September, leaving Milan Mandarić still at the helm before Dejphon Chansiri eventually completed his purchase of the club in early 2015. On the pitch, Wednesday boasted one of the strongest defensive records in the division, conceding just 49 goals - only three sides shipped fewer.

A major factor in that solidity was the arrival of goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, a free transfer from Sunderland who quickly established himself as a vital figure between the posts.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Number One

A decade ago, Keiren Westwood was Sheffield Wednesday’s highest-paid player, earning an estimated £14,000 per week as per Capology, during the 2014/15 season.

The Manchester-born Irish international arrived at Hillsborough on a free transfer from Sunderland, having already established himself with 131 appearances each for both Coventry City and Carlisle United.

Westwood quickly cemented his place as Wednesday’s first-choice goalkeeper, making his debut against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 9, 2014. Over the course of the season, he played 44 matches, amassing 3,945 minutes on the pitch. His performances were a standout feature of Stuart Gray’s side, keeping 17 clean sheets while conceding 46 goals. The 'keeper's form gained national recognition, and his consistency earned him a place in the 2014/15 PFA Championship Team of the Year.

Despite his impressive debut campaign, Westwood's season was not without controversy. In a fixture against Derby County at Pride Park, he was sent off in the 75th minute for bringing down Tom Ince in the penalty area. Meanwhile, off the pitch, Wednesday’s ownership situation remained uncertain before Chansiri’s eventual takeover set the stage for a new era at Hillsborough.

The Later Years and Retirement

Westwood remained a key figure at Hillsborough until his departure in 2021. Amongst his accolades, Westwood is only one of three players to be awarded 'Player of the Season' more than once. After leaving Wednesday, he briefly joined Queens Park Rangers on a one-year deal, making six appearances through injury cover, before retiring from professional football.

However, the now 40-year old remains a figure in the sport. Today, Westwood serves as Head of Goalkeeping at The New Saints (TNS), currently leading the Welsh Premier League and competing in the league stage of this season’s Europa Conference League. Before taking up his coaching role at TNS, he had a short stint at Crewe Alexandra, but did not make a competitive appearance.

Beyond his club commitments, Westwood has also founded his own set up in youth football. The Keiren Westwood Goalkeeper Academy, based at Cheadle Town FC, allows him to impart his extensive knowledge and experience to aspiring young goalkeepers.

From his early days in Manchester City’s academy to his tenure as Sheffield Wednesday’s number one and now a mentor for the next generation, Westwood’s career reflects a dedication to the game that extends far beyond his playing days.