PROFILES
 

MARCUS PAUL

Marcus has returned to play for Westend FC this season.  Was a member of the Westend Open Age team four years ago  when they played their first ever match at Elland.  Another ex-Westend Junior who enjoyed many years in our Junior section.  

AARON VAN LEEUWEN

Another of the very promising crop of young talent coming through at Westend FC.  A very quick and skilful striker who has been known to overdo the 'circus tricks' but has the potential to become a very good player.  Top scorer with the Reserves and could hit the magic 30 goals mark by the end of the season.

TOYAN GREAVES

Founder of the Vinyl Vandals empire Toyan is still striving to reach  top form this season.  Just needs a couple of goals and he will be back to his best.  Apart from a spell with another club, T has been at Westend since the age of nine and is one of the liveliest characters in the dressing room (especially if we have won!).  Not been at his best this season and has lost some of his blistering pace and finishing ability.

          KENNY OKONKWO

Nigerian born midfielder struggled with injuries last season but is hoping to push for a first team place when training resumes in July.  A very popular guy in the dressing room.

                       DEAN KNOX

One of the band of four who attended the first ever Westend Juniors training session in June 1991.  Still with us 17 years later!   Moved into midfield by Reserve Team Manager Andy Noble and has played a big part in the team's very successful season. 

DORRAN NOEL

Aged 28 a versatile player who despite a lack of fitness turned in some excellent midfield performances for the First team during the second half of the season. Moved to right back this season he has turned in some outstanding performances.  Not one of the best headers you will ever see but makes up for this with a tremendous turn of pace.

FRANK O.KENN

Born in Nigeria Frank is a strong and quick striker.  Has started the season well and scored his first goal with a cracking left foot volley in the 4-4 draw with Lamb Inn.

MARK THWAITES

A right winger who has been with Westend since the age of nine.  A dead ball specialist who creates a lot of chances for his team mates.  Second top scorer  for the Reserves last season and maintained his 100% record from the penalty spot.

RICHARD BOUSTEAD

Superb skill on the ball and an expert penalty taker.  Struggled with injuries throughout the season and missed the last ten matches with a torn hamstring.  If Bou plays well the team plays well!  

                DANNY HADFIELD

First team keeper pictured doing what he does best!  Some inconsistent performances throughout the season mainly due to lack of fitness and a troublesome hamstring injury.  Getting back to his best form and has been one of the main reasons for the first team's improved results since December.

              WARREN CANAVAN 

An avid Liverpool supporter who is well suited to the Westend passing game.  Spent most of the season playing on the left wing for the Reserves but his versatility meant he could play other positions equally as well if called upon.

          TOMMY WESTMORELAND

Another player who has gone to seek his fortune abroad.  Known as 'Hestla' to his mates he started playing for Ricky at the tender age of 4!  Left footed player who is equally at home in attack or defence. 

KARL FLEETWOOD

18 years old brother of Ramon he showed tremendous improvement during the season.  A superb example to the rest of the squad with his excellent attitude and good manners.  Has an abundance of skill but needs to work on his fitness in order to push for a place in the First Team.

MARVIN GAYE

Dreams about being a centre forward but wakes up realising that he is a much better defender.  Always moaning about something during the match-usually the fact that the ref missed an offside decision.  

JONNY GITTINS

Another player off to University this season.  Despite his lack of inches he is a very capable goalkeeper with excellent positional sense and good reactions.  One of the best strikers of the ball in the Club and is no mug as an outfield player.

TOM WIGLEY

Another one of a very talented bunch of youngsters at Westend FC who forced their way into the first team last season.  Tall, tough versatile player who now weighs 12 stone plus after being put on  Ricky's famous 'steak and eggs' diet!  A good all round sportsman who is ranked one of the best junior tennis players in the county.  

AARON BAXTER

A loyal team man who has been at Westend FC since the age of six.  A versatile play anywhere footballer who will have no trouble coping at Open Age level.  Aaron has  missed very few training sessions over the last ten years.  His superb attitude and commitment is a fantastic example to the other youngsters in the squad.  Another name to look out for in the future!

LUKE ROBERTSON

The only player to score more than 150 goals for Westend FC.  Supports Newcastle United and he has a goals per game record to match his hero Alan Shearer.  A six footer who is on Ricky's famous steak and eggs diet.  Luke has been at the Club since the age of four and is just beginning to push his way into the Open Age Reserve team.  A superb trainer and team player who sets a tremendous example to his peers and will play at a much higher level in a few years time. 

JAMES GRALEY

After a few matches in the Reserves and some impressive training performances he was given an opportunity to play first team football and has taken up the challenge with relish.  A naturally left sided player equally at home at full back or wing positions.  Excellent crosser of the ball but needs to improve his first touch if he wants to play at a decent standard of football.  

JOHN VENTERS

Back from the Black Country JV is now favourite to be the first player to make 100 appearances for Westend FC.  It looks like being a very close race between him and Eddie Mc for this tremendous achievement.  A very fast right winger who scores his fair share of goals.  Has been on the 'Steak and Eggs' diet and he has now bulked up to 7 stone.  A great team man who never gives less than 100% both in training and on the playing pitch.

JAMES PRIEDITIS

Another player who has risen through the ranks at Westend FC.  Despite being only 17 years of age he was handed the First Team captaincy during last season.  His consistent displays earned him the coveted 2007/08 Player Of The Season Award.  Reads the game well, excellent tackler  and sets a superb example to the rest of his team mates both on the training ground and on match days.

STEVE WESTMORELAND

Ex-Westend Junior Steve leads by example. Back in Huddersfield after his Qatar exile he will be working hard  on  his fitness and hopefully regain his place in the First Team.  

       MATTHEW SANDERSON

Troubled by a back injury that restricted his mobility and fitness, he never reached the level of performance we have come to expect.   The long summer break should ensure he is back to his usual commanding self when the new season begins.

                         EDDIE McNAMEE

Eddie Mc has played for Ricky from the age of nine.  Has played over 100 games for the club. Versatile performer who can play anywhere.  Not one of his best seasons and struggling to find his best form due to some niggling injuries.  

                       GUY GLEDHILL

Another of a very promising crop of  ex Westend juniors now beginning to make their mark at District League level.  A strong tackling defender with an excellent attitude.  

            PAT CLARKE

Lives in Manchester and missed most of last season through injury.  A very intelligent defender who will be working hard to get back into the First Team squad this season.

                      JACK TAYLOR

Another ex Westend Junior who has been with us from the age of six.  A genuine versatile player with loads of skill and commitment.  Has benefited from the steak and eggs diet recommended by his manager. Still has another two years to do at Newcastle University.  

SAM BOOTHROYD

18 year old striker with natural talent who has tremendous potential. However he needs to learn to do the simple things better.  He has been given a taste of First Team action and the experience will prove invaluable in the years to come.   

CRAIG BOUSTEAD

Back four player who has turned in some very consistent performances in the Reserves.  Dependable, skilful  and one of the main reasons the team have had such a good season.

        ADAM CHAPMAN

Now living in Leeds 'Paddy' has come through the Westend ranks and has already won two Championship medals and played in two Groom Cup Finals.  Very skilful player who can play in most positions.  Superb attitude and works very hard at his game.  

JAMES DUMPHY

Another product of the Westend Juniors nursery.  Has been taught to play the Westend way and makes the game look easy with his sublime passing ability and vision.  Equally at home in defence or midfield he has the proverbial 'head on young shoulders'.  Another player on the 'Steak and Eggs' diet but it is not easy to fatten a thoroughbred!

BEN ALLERTON

Eighteen years old tall strong defender who made his first team debut last season.  Excellent header of the ball and a very good tackler.  Away at University but will be back at Christmas. Very quiet on the pitch but hopefully a few years at Uni will soon change that!

AUSTEN BEDEAU

A very popular local DJ, 'Spina' will be late for his own funeral.  Very strong muscular left footed player who is comfortable in a number of positions. Always gives 100% in training and on match days.  

JOSH WALTERS

Another player who has come through the ranks at Westend FC.  A versatile performer equally at home in defence or attack.  He has played in every position during his career  including goalkeeper!   Works hard in training and should be looking to gain a regular place in the District League this season.  

RAMON FLEETWOOD

'Razor' was one of the best players in the Reserve team last season.  Superb header of the ball and is a very good passer.  Excellent team player who will be pushing for a first team spot this season. 

          DARREN WEAVER

Daz has had another outstanding season in the Reserves and whether between the sticks or playing in defence always inspired the rest of his team mates with his effort and commitment.  Has been known to make the odd gaffe playing between the sticks, but usually makes up for them later with some excellent saves.  Played a number of matches in the First team and coped easily with Division Two football.

ADAM HAIGH

Another of the very promising crop of teenagers stepping up from Junior football at Westend.  Tall, strong and a superb header of the ball Adam is equally at home playing in goal or at centre back.  An excellent trainer with a good attitude he is rated very highly by First Team manager Ricky Thwaites who feels that he could have a very bright future at centre back.  He could soon be pushing for a  place in the First Team this season. 

JOE DAVIES

Equally at home at left back or left wing Joe is another one of a very promising bunch of 16 year olds at Westend FC.  Never misses a training session and always gives 100% effort.  Excellent passer of the ball but is prone to get beaten too easily when in defensive positions.  Hopefully will be given a few outings with the Reserves as the season unfolds.

ELLIOTT POLZIN

Another ex Westend Junior who has made terrific progress this season.  A left footed player who has settled in well at left back in the Reserve team.  A keen competitor and an excellent trainer who sets a fine example to the rest of the squad.  If he can maintain his current form he will be pushing for a regular first team place before the end of the season.