Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood breaks silence after being frozen out by Owls boss Garry Monk

Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has taken to social media to explain his situation at the club as his time on the sidelines continues.
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The Republic of Ireland international hasn’t featured for the Owls since defeat at West Brom in November and manager Garry Monk suggested on Saturday that any return for the 35-year-old is unlikely.

Midfield general Sam Hutchinson has also been frozen out – The Star understands the pair are training the club’s under-23s – and in a lengthy Twitter post Westwood has addressed rumours surrounding the reasons behind the pair’s exclusion.

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He said: “Being trolled online is never a nice experience. With the tragic events recently it’s given me the courage to speak out to put an end to the online abuse I’m receiving simply for doing my job. Clarity is important. Enough is enough.

“With all the rumours, lies and accusations being said about me online, I feel obliged to clear my name and defend myself. I feel personally it’s becoming too much to handle and it is getting out of control.

“The manager and I have not fallen out. We had a conversation man to man and it was fine. I’m very experienced to know these things happen in football and it’s never anything personal.

“We had a good conversation, shook hands and left on good terms. I’m too far into my career to fall out with people.

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“There was no arguments of bad attitudes and definitely none of the rumours being banded about have occurred.

Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has not featured for the Owls since November.Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has not featured for the Owls since November.
Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has not featured for the Owls since November.

“The manager has made a decision, which I fully accept and respect and I have done since it was made.”

Westwood placed on record his love for the club and gratitude towards owner Dejphon Chansiri for what he described as ‘six years at this wonderful club’.

He said: “I fully support the team and the club not only on a professional level but also on a personal level, as my two boys wouldn’t have it any other way!

“Rumours and gossip can cause a rift in the fan base and hurt people in the process. It’s important that the fans stick together and support the team.”