Westwood Given City Chance

Last updated : 07 October 2008 By Gary Hutchinson
Ashley Westwood has been named in a strong City squad to face Notts Forest reserve side this afternoon at The City Ground, as has Birmingham City youngster Jared Wilson.

Stefan Oakes will also feature in the game as he looks to return from injury.

Central defender Westwood has had Premiership experience, but has recently dropped off the radar following an unsuccesful spell with Stevenage Borough.

Westwood started his career as trainee at Man Utd and was part of the FA Youth Cup winning side 1995. However after failing to make the grade he signed for Crewe the same year.

Two years later, he was a regular in the side that secured promotion to Division One after beating Brentford in the play-off final at Wembley. He made more than 100 appearances in three years with Crewe.

Westwood then moved to Bradford City and was part of their Premiership side of 1998, although his first team appearances were restricted.

He followed Paul Jewell to Sheff Weds in 2000 for £150,000 making more than 100 appearances for the Owls before moving to Northampton in 2003. His time at Sixfields was blighted by injury, and he was released in 2006. He joined Chester City but continued to struggle with his hamstring and last featured for them in January 2007.

In March 2007 Westwood joined Swindon on loan from the remainder of the season helping Swindon win promotion from League Two. He then returned to Chester, featuring in their pre-season campaign.

Westwood was placed on the transfer list at Chester by mutual consent in August 2007. He left the club before the transfer window closed to join Port Vale on a short term deal. , He returned to Chester around Christmas 2007.

Westwood joined Stevenage Borough at the start of the 2008 January transfer window. He was released in July 2008, after making 20 appearances, scoring twice.