Ashley Westwood left Sheffield Wednesday in 2003 and today he has been appointed as the new manager of Afghanistan. It looks like a thankless task and one that perhaps requires a miracle to succeed.
Now, 47, Westwood spent three years of his colourful playing career at Wednesday. He started his career at Manchester United and after leaving without playing senior football, he played for 12 different clubs.
Westwood was a no-nonsense sort of player when he was still turning out as a centre-back. That sort of approach might be required now as he takes over the reigns at the side ranked 154th in the FIFA rankings.
Westwood has it all to do
Some might think that the job Danny Rohl has been handed at Wednesday is hard. It’s difficult to imagine Westwood having too much sympathy, however, as he bids to take Afghanistan to the World Cup in 2026.
He is inheriting a bit of a disaster zone, it has to be said. According to The Guardian, 18 players are set to boycott a game against Qatar on Thursday 16th November following what they describe as substandard treatment.
Westwood has been appointed to try and steady the ship somewhat. He’s had a bit of a bizarre managerial career, taking positions with Kettering, Bengaluru FC, Penang FC, ATK and RoundGlass Punjab.
Wednesday fans will be rooting for Westwood
Wednesday fans love to see their former players and coaches do well if they served the Owls well. The 47-year-old does tick that box and it will be fascinating to see what he can do here.
Afghanistan are about to get their World Cup qualifying campaign underway. They face Qatar, India and Kuwait and the prospects of heading to the tournament look bleak at very best.
Wednesday fans will perhaps be keeping a close eye on how Westwood does in this role. Given all the off-field problems, however, it looks as though the former centre-back might be onto a hiding to nothing.