Westwood targets promotion
ASHLEY WESTWOOD is targeting FA Trophy success with Wrexham - but the experienced centre-half is also hoping to land an unprecedented fifth promotion to complete a unique set.
The 32 year old defender has won promotion from League one to League two with Swindon and Northampton, as well as being part of the Crewe Alexandra squad that made it to the Championship. Ashley also won promotion to the Premiership with Bradford city, so is targeting promotion from the Conference with the Dragons to complete the unique achievement of gaining promotion from all four levels of the Football League pyramid.
Speaking to the Daily Post, Westwood said:
"I have been promoted out of every league except the Conference. This would complete the set and would mean a lot to me,"
"Looking back I would not like to say the Conference was the only league I couldn't get out of. I see it as an achievement doing the set.
"I even got to the final of two play-offs with Crewe and Northampton on other occasions so that is seven good campaigns. And staying in the Premiership with Bradford was classed as success so that is eight. It would be nine with Wrexham.
Westwood added: "When you get to my age, it is all about getting a good club with a good manager. You want to be somewhere you enjoy and I am not looking elsewhere. If I looked around I could probably find a Football League club but it is not all about that.
"In my opinion, Wrexham is a league club - that's why I am here - and I want to help them get back there.
"If I can get a fifth promotion with Wrexham it would be fantastic."
Ashley then went on to comment about the FA Trophy replay against Ebbsfleet United.
" You cannot see a cup match as hassle" said Westwood
"You look forward to playing games, that is what we are paid for, and it would be great for the club and the fans to get to a final at Wembley.
"We will definitely be trying our best to get there.
"Wrexham have been unsuccessful the last few years and it can only be good to get to the final, and bring a bit of success to the club."
"It was disappointing not to play on Saturday. It was a big game and a chance to get to a semi-final - you want to be involved"
Dean Saunders is likely to restore Westwood to the starting line up for Tuesday's replay.
Westwood's replacement Aurelien Collin was shown a straight red for a professional foul, in a match blighted by some shocking refereeing decisions.
The match from Stonebridge road kicks off at 7:45pm with the winners playing in form Stevenage Borough in a two legged semi final.