Republic of Ireland international Keiren Westwood has taken to Twitter to put to bed any 'lies' about his relationship with Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk.
Westwood has been at the Championship club for six years, acting as their number one for the vast majority that time. However, he has not been part of the matchday squad since the loss to West Brom on November 23rd.
This led some to speculate that he had fallen out with Monk, who was appointed at Hillsborough at the start of September. Many had also questioned the player's attitude or professionalism, but he has now put those rumours to bed.
Westwood released a statement on Twitter earlier today, confirming he respected the manager's decision to leave him out of the team. He also criticised those who 'trolled' him online, saying he should not be receiving this type of abuse for simply doing his job:
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. #MentalHealthAwareness #footballmentalhealth pic.twitter.com/41RhgG2mfF
— Keiren Westwood (@WestwoodKeiren) February 17, 2020
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.
There was no arguments of bad attitudes and definitely none of the rumours being banded about have occurred...
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.
Westwood was part of Mick McCarthy's Ireland squad as recently as last year, but his lack of playing time would make it unlikely he is part of the upcoming trip to Slovakia.
Having been named in the Championship team of the year and as Sheffield Wednesday's player of the season in 2014/15 campaign, he now looks likely to move on in the summer.
