Westwood signs...and why Hooper’s move to Sheffield Wednesday broke down

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY custodian Keiren Westwood has agreed a contract extension with the Owls - and will remain with the club until the summer of 2018.
By Leon Wobschall
Published 2nd Sep 2015, 14:14 BST
Keiren Westwood (Picture: Steve Ellis)Keiren Westwood (Picture: Steve Ellis)
Keiren Westwood (Picture: Steve Ellis)

The Republic of Ireland international, currently on the sidelines with a kidney injury, has proved a rock-solid last line of defence during his time at Hillsborough after joining on a free transfer from Premier League side Sunderland in July 2014.

The 30-year-old, who signed a two-year contract, scooped a number of Player of the Year awards following his first campaign with the club in 2014/15 and was also named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year by his fellow peers following an outstanding campaign.

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The Republic of Ireland keeper played in 43 Championship games for Wednesday last season and was in stellar form as the Owls equalled a club record of 17 clean sheets.

Meanwhile, Gary Hooper’s request for a VIP box to be included in the striker’s deal reportedly hindered his move from Norwich City to Hillsborough.

Wednesday signed 15 players during the summer transfer window but their attempt to recruit Hooper broke down before the deadline.

The Owls had agreed a £500,000 loan fee with Norwich, as well as taking on the forward’s entire salary.

But the move reportedly collapsed because Wednesday refused to include in the deal a VIP box at Hillsborough for Hooper’s family and friends.

Related topics:Keiren WestwoodHillsboroughRepublic of IrelandNorwich CitySunderland