Can't tell if you're serious or not. Westwood was a fantastic keeper, but is 37 now and not played in 10 months, he may not even be training with anyone, why would we want to sign him to replace Moore if needed in the summer, when he will be a few months off 38.
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Does he live local?
If so he’s the type of player you’d allow to train with us to keep fit whilst he tries to find another club. He has experience to pass on and in an emergency could sign short term.
Hear me out:
32 + year old experienced pros are crucial to have around to mentor the younger lads - older brother types not dad types. Our management team is now “dad” range - Scott Parker, Rooney etc are more player age so have a different type of impact on their squads.
Anyway. I’m waffling again but if you listen to a lot of former players that just disappear after 31 then they often have regrets. Plus, some arrangement where older pros stay on to train, do their badges, keep in a dressing room banter situation and then play a bit if need be (reserves etc) and are able to step in in a crisis might be an interesting model.
I know there are loads of holes in the theory but I’d rather we had one or two older pros around costing little, adding value, able to do the odd game / sub if their legs aren’t what they were and being good influencers, rather than sign 32 year olds on big money (Waghorn) and long contracts.
When Kelly gets to the end of his contract then he might be worth a one year “mature working apprenticeship” contract; low wage, appearance fee, do badges, learn physio etc.
If we ever tie up with Warwick Uni then there may be something in that. Be part of the squad and study something at the same time.
Footballers retire at say, 32. 32 is no age in the normal workplace. 32 is 35 years off pension age.
So many former players go off the rails. The PFA needs to look at mature Uni / tech trades / engineering: STEM subjects etc for footballers near the end of their careers. Particularly if they’re L1/2 and haven’t earned mountains.
There’s so much potential with this Uni tie up.
Ramble over.
