Keeper hits back at Boothroyd

Westwood won't be forced into signing new deal by boss

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 1st September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Keeper hits back at Boothroyd

Westwood: Angered by Boothroyd stance

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Keiren Westwood has told Coventry boss Aidy Boothroyd he will not be bullied into signing a new deal.

The Coventry keeper is in contract talks as his current deal expires next year and the Sky Blues turned down a bid from Celtic earlier this summer, while Tottenham and Sunderland were also linked with the Republic of Ireland international.

There is an offer on the table at the Ricoh Arena but with the contract unsigned, Boothroyd dropped the 25-year-old for Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Millwall, bringing in Iain Turner after taking the Everton keeper on loan.

The Sky Blues boss has told Westwood he has two weeks to sign the new deal or face a lengthy spell on the bench, which could harm his international prospects.

But Westwood wants to see out his contract and insists Boothroyd cannot force him to commit to a longer deal.

"Six months ago I would have signed a new deal, 12 months ago I was asking for a new deal, and the year before that they promised me a new deal but nothing ever materialised and I don't know why," he told the Daily Mail.

Slaughtered

"I want to see how things go but I am being slaughtered in the papers for it like it is my fault. I am being made to look the bad guy, which is unfair.

"I was offered a new contract four weeks ago. The manager asked me if I was going to sign and I said no and that is it. I have not asked to leave, I just said I don't want to sign the contract.

"I love it at the club and that has not changed. I am still committed. The manager asked for an answer, he wanted me to be straight up and honest, which I have been.

"I have not done one interview all summer, but have kept my mouth shut and wanted to let my performances do the talking. I just want to play football but now I am being slated in the papers every day and I have been dropped for no reason. Enough is enough.

"I always train hard and work hard and give my best in games. I really don't know what is going to happen. Bullying me is not going to work."

A £500,000 signing from Carlisle in 2008, Westwood is currently with the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Armenia.

Slur

Boothroyd, who took over this summer, questioned the former Manchester City trainee's focus after the 2-0 win over Portsmouth and said "I don't want to work with that inconsistency."

But Westwood has hit back, saying: "It is a slur on my character.

"I want to do well for the club but I am not being allowed to do that. I will always be available for selection and I will always perform to my best.

"The manager has said I am the best keeper outside the Premier League and yet he doesn't want to play me.

"Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you I am not a bad lad and I train hard every day."

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