Graham Westley
Encyclopedia
Graham Neil Westley is an English former footballer and is currently manager of League One
side Stevenage, where he has been in charge since 2008, his second spell at the club.
Westley started his managerial career at the age of 28, managing Kingstonian
for five months, before spending a year in charge of Enfield
. In 1999, Westley became manager of Farnborough Town
, guiding them to the Conference National
in 2002. He left Farnborough the following season, to become manager of Stevenage. He took the club to within one game of promotion to the Football League
, but left the club in 2006 when his contract expired. Westley then had a brief, but successful, spell with Rushden & Diamonds
, as well as acting as caretaker manager
at Kettering Town
. He took a year out of the game, before rejoining Stevenage in May 2008. He guided the club to FA Trophy
success in 2009
, before securing promotion to the Football League for the first time in the club's history in April 2010, finishing the season as league champions. Westley guided the club to back-to-back promotions in his first season as a Football League manager, following Stevenage's successful 2010–11 League Two play-off campaign
.
, London
and he started his footballing career as an apprentice with Queens Park Rangers
. During his time at QPR, Westley represented England
at U18
level. He then joined Gillingham
in March 1986. He made two league appearances for the club before joining Barnet
. He made three appearances and scored one goal for them in the Football Conference
during the 1987–88 season, making his debut for the club in a 2–2 draw against Macclesfield Town
at Moss Rose
. Westley left Barnet when his short-term contract expired, and joined Wycombe Wanderers
in the latter stages of 1987, where he played a total of 20 times, scoring 4 goals during the club's 1987–88 campaign. He later played for a number of non-League
clubs, including Kingstonian
, Wealdstone
, Farnborough Town
, Harlow Town
, Enfield
, Aylesbury United
, Harrow Borough
, Tooting & Mitcham United
, Molesey
and Walton & Hersham
– three of which he would later go on to manage. During his time at Kingstonian, he suffered a dislocated ankle and broken leg in three places, which subsequently cut his playing career short after never fully recovering from the injury. On his playing career, Westley said "I felt sorry for myself too often when I should have been leading the team".
in December 1996 after approaching the club about their vacant managerial post. His first two games in-charge of the club both ended in 4–4 draws against Walton & Hersham
and Harrow Borough
respectively, with Westley saying "at the time, there was something raw and exciting about the team that I sent out. Although there was also something evidently missing". His first victory in-charge of the club was a 2–0 win over Wokingham Town in the Isthmian League Cup
, before securing his first league win in the following game, a 5–2 win away at Aylesbury United
. Kingstonian drew clear of relegation, with Westley recalling a 3–2 victory over champions Yeovil Town
at Huish Park
as a "memorable victory". Despite securing safety for the club, he was sacked after just five months, being replaced by Geoff Chapple
. He managed Kingstonian for 25 games in total; recording nine wins, eight losses, and eight draws.
In September 1997, Westley was appointed as manager of another club he had previously played for in the form of Isthmian League Premier Division outfit Enfield
. He appointed Graham Pearce as his assistant, who had also previously played for, and managed, Enfield. He outlined his ambition of ensuring the club returned to the top tier in non-league, despite a host of financial difficulties at the club, he stated "my ambition is to see silverware in the table, and if you can't take the pressure, you shouldn't take big jobs like this one". His first game as manager of Enfield was a 2–0 home defeat to St Albans City
. Despite securing a 7th placed finish for the club, Westley left the club after just nine months in charge. He managed the club for a total of 41 games; winning 19, losing 16, and drawing 6 – with a win percentage of 46.34%.
and appointed himself as manager. He managed the club to a 12th place finish in his first season in charge, but enjoyed success in the Isthmian Cup; winning the competition in 2000. The following season, Westley guided the club to more success, winning the Isthmian League Premier Division; securing 31 victories out of a possible 42 and amassing a total of 99 points. Westley overhauled the squad shortly after the club's promotion to the Conference National
– something which he now states as a "huge regret". At this point, he also tried to arrange a merger with Kingstonian
– citing the club's "Football League rated ground" as the reasoning behind his proposed idea, although it never happened due to "fans resistance". During the 2001–02 season, the club consolidated their position in the first tier of non–league football; with Westley guiding the club to a 7th place finish in the league. The following season was to be a memorable campaign for Westley, reaching the Third Round of the FA Cup
after a 3–0 victory at Southport
, where they faced Football League
competition in the form of Darlington
at Feethams
. Westley guided the side to a 3–2 win over Darlington, and the club were rewarded with a Fourth Round tie at home to Arsenal
. The tie, however, was controversially moved to Highbury
– because the tie stood to make around £600,000 in gate receipts from playing at Highbury, whereas playing at Cherrywood Road
would only have generated the club an estimated £50,000. Westley left the club after the sell-out 'home' tie at Highbury, which they lost 5–1. Shortly after his resignation, he became manager at Conference National
rivals Stevenage in January 2003, signing a three-year contract. Westley confirmed he would be leaving his shareholding in Farnborough to other existing shareholders, and would also be withdrawing his financial backing at the club. On moving to Stevenage, Westley said "I've enjoyed my time at Farnborough, but I feel that I need to move on now and that I need to concentrate on football management, which is where my ambitions lie". He went on to state that Stevenage's "long-term potential" was another key factor behind the move.
club, Stevenage were sitting 21st in the Conference National
, and were six points adrift of safety. Unlike his position at his previous club, Westley was appointed as first-team manager, with no board involvement. He set about ensuring the club were still in the highest tier in non-league football, signing seven players from his previous club Farnborough, as well as his former assistant Graham Pearce and goalkeeping coach Graham Benstead
. His first game in charge of the club was a 1–1 draw at home to Morecambe
, before having to wait three games for his first win at the club – a 2–0 victory away at local rivals Barnet
, thanks to a Dino Maamria
brace. The victory sparked an eight game unbeaten run, recording six victories on the bounce to ensure the club were safe from relegation. Westley had guided the club from 21st in the table to a respectable 12th place finish by the end of the season. The 2003–04
season witnessed a much more consistent season under Westley's management, but the club were unable to make the play-offs and finished the campaign in 8th place, despite a positive start to the season.
As was the case in previous seasons, Westley made wholesale changes at the end of the season, releasing several of the players he had originally signed from Farnborough, and replacing them with a mixture of players with Football League experience – in the form of Brian Quailey
, Dannie Bulman
, and Matt Hocking
– as well as players from lower divisions such as Jon Nurse
and Craig McAllister
. Westley also gave first-team opportunities to players who had progressed through the club's youth system, most notably George Boyd
. The squad originally struggled to perform, losing five games in the first eight games of the club's league campaign. However, two victories by wide margins against lowly opposition in the form of Farnborough and Northwich Victoria
respectively propelled the club into a mid-table position. However, this was followed by two heavy defeats at the hands of York City
and Canvey Island
– the latter a 4–1 home defeat against part-time opposition. After the game, with hundreds of Stevenage fans calling for Westley to be sacked, he confronted fans in the East Terrace
by saying he "would turn it around". Westley's side responded with four straight wins, and stayed within touching distance of the play-offs for several months. An important double over Carlisle United
in March 2005, as well as crucial wins at Aldershot Town
, Woking
, and Crawley Town
meant that Stevenage went into the final day of the season needing to beat already relegated Leigh RMI, and had to rely on Tamworth
to hold Morecambe, who were currently occupying the final play-off spot. Stevenage beat Leigh 2–0, whilst Tamworth held Morecambe to a goalless draw, ultimately meaning Westley's side had reached the play-offs on the final day of the season. Westley engineered two solid displays to ensure Stevenage overcame second-placed Hereford United
2–1 on aggregate, but lost 1–0 to Carlisle United at the Britannia Stadium
in the final.
The 2005–06
season marked Westley's third season in charge as manager of the club, and although the club were consistent at Broadhall Way
throughout the season, the side struggled for form away from home, winning just four games on the road all season. Stevenage's poor away form was ultimately preventing the club from mounting any serious title challenge, and throughout the campaign Westley's side would often "lose the game before it began" – in away games against Southport
, Morecambe
, and Burton Albion
respectively, Westley's side trailed 3–0 before half-time. Westley had also fallen out with striker Anthony Elding
, who was eventually sold to Kettering Town
in January 2006. There were also increasingly frequent question marks surrounding the discipline of the squad under Westley's control, as Stevenage received fourteen red cards during the campaign, more than any other club in the league by some distance. A 2–0 defeat away to relegation-threatened Forest Green Rovers
on the final day of the season meant that Stevenage failed to reach the play-offs, finishing 6th in the table. After failing to reach the play-offs, Westley confirmed in May 2006 that he would leave the club when his contract expired in June, ending his three and a half year tenure with the Hertfordshire club.
in December 2006, with the club sitting 22nd in the table, two points adrift of safety. Westley's first game in charge of Rushden was a 1–0 victory away at Cambridge United
, as he set about ensuring safety. Westley secured the signatures of several players who he had previously managed at Stevenage; signing the likes of Jamie Cook
, David Perpetuini
, and Dino Maamria
. Westley also brought in the likes of Michael Bostwick
and Chris Beardsley
– younger players who he had previously written about in his weekly column in The Non-League Paper
when he was out of work. Westley's newly assembled team secured five straight wins in the league, including wins away at the top two teams in the league at the time, Oxford United
and Dagenham & Redbridge
. Despite managing an upturn in the form of the club, Westley was surprisingly sacked after a 2–2 draw at Aldershot Town
in February 2007. He had taken the club from 22nd in the league to 12th in the space of two and a half months, and the club were on a seven match unbeaten run at the time. In total, he managed Rushden for 13 games; winning seven, drawing three and losing three. The reason behind Westley's sacking is unknown, but he was replaced two days later by Garry Hill
.
of Conference North
outfit Kettering Town
for the rest of the 2006–07 season in April 2007. Due to the date he joined, Westley was unable to bring any new players in to bolster the squad, with just two games remaining until the end of the season. His first game in charge was a 0–0 draw away to Stalybridge Celtic
, shortly followed by a 1–0 loss to Alfreton Town
at Rockingham Road
– this was enough to ensure Kettering finished the season in second place. He managed Kettering in the play-offs, as they were beaten on penalties by Farsley Celtic in the semi-final after a 1–1 aggregate scoreline over two legs, he left shortly after when his short-term contract expired in May 2007, managing the club for a total of four games.
title challenge. Among those brought in were Gary Mills
and David Bridges
, who Westley had managed during his short-stint at Kettering. He also signed Michael Bostwick
and Mark Albrighton
, who he had also signed at Rushden & Diamonds
. Westley also secured the signatures of Andy Drury and Eddie Odhiambo respectively, both of which were players Westley had previously earmarked.
Stevenage started the season poorly, losing 3 out of their first 4 games and conceding 13 goals in the process, including a 5–0 loss to Wrexham on the first day of the season. The club secured its first victory under Westley in late August 2008, a 3–1 win away at Barrow
, before winning four games on the bounce in September. However, through the first half of the club's 2008–09 campaign, Westley's side were suffering from the same inconsistency that was common in his first spell as manager of the Hertfordshire
side, losing three games on the trot in November – the last of which was a 2–1 home defeat to Wrexham, it was to be Stevenage's last defeat at Broadhall Way
in the league for 18 months. Westley brought in former player, Dino Maamria
as first-team coach at the club. This, coupled with key signings during the campaign, such as Chris Day
, Mark Roberts
, and Jon Ashton
, meant that Stevenage witnessed an up-turn in form half way through the campaign. A 24 game unbeaten run stretching from December 2008 to April 2009, as well as winning crucial games towards the latter stages of the season, ultimately meant that Westley's men made the Conference National play-offs, finishing in the last play-off place. Despite taking a 3–1 lead into the second leg, Stevenage lost 4–3 overall on aggregate to Cambridge United. Westley did, however, enjoy success in the FA Trophy
when he led the side out at Wembley Stadium
in front of 27,102 as Stevenage beat York City
2–0 in the Final
. The win was Westley's first taste of success as manager of Stevenage. After the game, it was announced that Westley was to stay on as manager for another year.
The majority of the squad that performed so well in the second half of the club's 2008–09 campaign were retained, with very little transfer activity in comparison to previous seasons under Westley. Steve Morison
, the club's top goalscorer for the past three seasons, moved to Millwall
for a fee of £130,000, while both John Martin
and Calum Willock
were released by Westley in late May 2009. Midfielder Gary Mills was the last departure of the close season; rejecting a contract and instead opting to join fellow Conference rivals Mansfield Town
. Five players joined the club during the close season. Charlie Griffin
was the first signing of the season, joining Stevenage from Salisbury City
on a free transfer. Yemi Odubade
, Chris Beardsley
, and Joel Byrom
signed for the club shortly after; the latter commanding a transfer fee of £15,000. Westley had previously managed Beardsley at Rushden & Diamonds and Kettering Town. The last signing of pre-season was Stacy Long
; who joined the club on a free transfer from Ebbsfleet United. No players departed the club during the season, with Tim Sills
the only addition – signing for an undisclosed fee from Torquay United
in January 2010.
Stevenage's league campaign got off to a typically patchy start; with the side recording just one win from their first five games of the season. Following a 2–1 defeat to Oxford United
in August 2009, the team went on a 17 game unbeaten run that stretched four months from August to December 2009, propelling the club into the top two. Unlike in previous seasons, the club were performing strongly away from home, and secured victories at the likes of Luton Town
and Mansfield Town. A 4–1 victory against Cambridge United
on New Year's Day
ultimately meant that Stevenage hit top-spot for the first time in the season. However, two defeats on the road within the space of a week in February meant that rivals Oxford United had an eight–point lead going into March 2010. The team responded well, winning eight games on the bounce; including an important 1–0 victory over Oxford United in late March, subsequently replacing Oxford at the top of the table. Borough brushed aside a late challenge from Luton Town, securing promotion to the Football League with two games to spare following a 2–0 win against Kidderminster Harriers
at Aggborough. The team won their last six games of the league campaign without conceding a single goal, and recorded 42 points from a possible 45 from their last 15 league fixtures. Stevenage finished the season having amassed a total of 99 points from 44 games, winning the league by 11 points, with Westley winning many plaudits for the way he had secured promotion despite considerably less resources than a lot of the teams in the division. The promotion means Westley has led Stevenage to the Football League
for the first time in their history, as well as managing a Football League team for the first time in his managerial career. Westley also guided the club to another FA Trophy Final
; this time losing 2–1 after extra-time against Barrow at Wembley Stadium. At the end of the season, Westley signed a new two-year contract; keeping him contracted to the club until 2012. On signing the new deal, Westley said "I am grateful for all the support that we have all been given in the past two years. I am delighted to have the opportunity to manage the launch of the club into the Football League". In his first two seasons back at the club, from May 2008 to May 2010, Westley has been in charge for 114 games, winning a total of 70 games – recording a win percentage of 61.40%.
Similarly to the club's successful campaign the season before, but in complete contrast to his first tenure at the club, the 2010–11 season witnessed a "five in, five out" policy regarding transfer activity – with roughly five players joining the club, while roughly five players leave the club in the close season. The club started the season inconsistently, with Westley stating the season would be a "massive learning curve" for both himself and the players. Following four defeats in six games in December 2010 and January 2011, Stevenage found themselves in 18th position, just four points above the relegation zone. However, during a congested period throughout February and March 2011, Stevenage won nine games out of eleven, propelling the club up the league table and into the play-off positions. This included winning six games on the trot, a sequence only matched by Bury
. A 3–3 draw against Bury on the final day of the season meant that Stevenage finished the season in sixth place. They faced fifth place Accrington Stanley
in the 2010–11 League Two play-off semi-finals, winning both legs by a 3–0 aggregate scoreline. They beat Torquay United
1–0 in the Final
at Old Trafford
on 28 May 2011. The victory meant that Westley had guided the club to back-to-back promotions, playing in League One
for the first time in the club's history. On securing promotion, Westley said "It's a fantastic feeling. The players work so hard and they deserve everything they get". During the 2010–11 season, Westley also guided the club to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup
, where they lost to Reading
2–1. In the previous round, Stevenage beat Premier League side Newcastle United
3–1 at Broadhall Way. After the match, Westley said before the game he had told the players to "go out and win the match 5–0. We established that if we did just 20% of what it would take to win 5–0 then we would still win the game".
At the start of the 2011–12 season, Westley signed a three-year contract extension at Stevenage that keeps him contracted to the club until 2014.
, sharing his views and experiences on the non-league game. He is also the chief executive of the Aimita Corporation, an organisation that provides performance management consulting. Westley has also gained a Master of Arts
degree in company direction.
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Stevenage, where he has been in charge since 2008, his second spell at the club.
Westley started his managerial career at the age of 28, managing Kingstonian
Kingstonian F.C.
Kingstonian Football Club are an English, semi-professional football club that are playing in the Isthmian League Premier Division for the 2011–12 season. The club has played at Kingsmeadow in Kingston upon Thames since 1989, after leaving their traditional Richmond Road ground...
for five months, before spending a year in charge of Enfield
Enfield F.C.
Enfield F.C. is a football club, formed in June 2007 after Enfield F.C. ceased to exist....
. In 1999, Westley became manager of Farnborough Town
Farnborough Town F.C.
Farnborough Football Club is an English football team currently in the Conference South after finishing top of Southern League Premier Division in 2009–10. Their home ground is known as the Rushmoor Stadium, formerly Cherrywood Road, based in Farnborough, Hampshire...
, guiding them to the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
in 2002. He left Farnborough the following season, to become manager of Stevenage. He took the club to within one game of promotion to the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
, but left the club in 2006 when his contract expired. Westley then had a brief, but successful, spell with Rushden & Diamonds
Rushden & Diamonds F.C.
Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of...
, as well as acting as caretaker manager
Caretaker manager
In association football, a caretaker manager is someone who takes temporary charge of the management of a football club, usually when the regular manager is dismissed or leaves for a different club. However, a caretaker may also be appointed if the regular manager is ill or unable to attend to his...
at Kettering Town
Kettering Town F.C.
Kettering Town Football Club are a football club originating in Kettering, Northamptonshire but currently based in the nearby village of Irthlingborough. The club play in the Conference National after winning the Conference North in 2007–08...
. He took a year out of the game, before rejoining Stevenage in May 2008. He guided the club to FA Trophy
FA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
success in 2009
2009 FA Trophy Final
The 2009 FA Trophy Final was the 39th final of The Football Association's cup competition for levels 5-8 of the English football league system. It was contested by Stevenage Borough, who won the competition in 2007, and York City on 9 May 2009 at Wembley Stadium in London.Stevenage won the match...
, before securing promotion to the Football League for the first time in the club's history in April 2010, finishing the season as league champions. Westley guided the club to back-to-back promotions in his first season as a Football League manager, following Stevenage's successful 2010–11 League Two play-off campaign
2011 Football League Two play-off Final
The 2011 Football League Two play-off final was a football match contested by Stevenage and Torquay United on 28 May 2011 at Old Trafford in Manchester to decide the fourth team to be promoted from League Two to League One for the 2011–12 season....
.
Playing career
Westley was born in HounslowHounslow
Hounslow is the principal town in the London Borough of Hounslow. It is a suburban development situated 10.6 miles west south-west of Charing Cross. It forms a post town in the TW postcode area.-Etymology:...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
and he started his footballing career as an apprentice with Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
. During his time at QPR, Westley represented England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
at U18
England national under-18 football team
-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the friendly match against Slovakia.-Recent call-ups:The following players have also been called up to the England under-18 squad and remain eligible.-References:...
level. He then joined Gillingham
Gillingham F.C.
Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium...
in March 1986. He made two league appearances for the club before joining Barnet
Barnet F.C.
Barnet Football Club is an English football team from High Barnet, London, England, currently playing in Football League Two. The ground is in the town of Barnet within the London Borough of Barnet....
. He made three appearances and scored one goal for them in the Football Conference
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
during the 1987–88 season, making his debut for the club in a 2–2 draw against Macclesfield Town
Macclesfield Town F.C.
Macclesfield Town Football Club is an English football team. The club was formed in 1874 and is based in the town of Macclesfield in Cheshire. The team play its home games at the 6,355 capacity Moss Rose stadium...
at Moss Rose
Moss Rose
Moss Rose is a multi-purpose stadium in Macclesfield, England. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of Macclesfield Town F.C....
. Westley left Barnet when his short-term contract expired, and joined Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe Wanderers F.C.
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football team from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, which has been promoted to Football League One after finishing third in Football League Two in the season 2010–11. The club's nicknames are "The Chairboys" and "The Blues", and they play...
in the latter stages of 1987, where he played a total of 20 times, scoring 4 goals during the club's 1987–88 campaign. He later played for a number of non-League
Non-league football
Non-League football is football in England played at a level below that of the Premier League and The Football League. The term non-League was commonly used well before 1992 when the top football clubs in England all belonged to The Football League; all clubs who were not a part of The Football...
clubs, including Kingstonian
Kingstonian F.C.
Kingstonian Football Club are an English, semi-professional football club that are playing in the Isthmian League Premier Division for the 2011–12 season. The club has played at Kingsmeadow in Kingston upon Thames since 1989, after leaving their traditional Richmond Road ground...
, Wealdstone
Wealdstone F.C.
Wealdstone Football Club are an English semi-professional football club who formed in Wealdstone, in the London Borough of Harrow, but are currently based a few miles away in Ruislip, in the London Borough of Hillingdon. At present, the club are members of the Isthmian League Premier Division. They...
, Farnborough Town
Farnborough Town F.C.
Farnborough Football Club is an English football team currently in the Conference South after finishing top of Southern League Premier Division in 2009–10. Their home ground is known as the Rushmoor Stadium, formerly Cherrywood Road, based in Farnborough, Hampshire...
, Harlow Town
Harlow Town F.C.
Harlow Town F.C. are an English football club based in Harlow, Essex. The club currently play in the Division One North of the Isthmian League, after relegation from the Isthmian League Premier Division in 2009....
, Enfield
Enfield F.C.
Enfield F.C. is a football club, formed in June 2007 after Enfield F.C. ceased to exist....
, Aylesbury United
Aylesbury United F.C.
Aylesbury United are a football club based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, currently playing in the Spartan South Midlands League, nicknamed the Ducks....
, Harrow Borough
Harrow Borough F.C.
Harrow Borough Football Club is a semi-professional English association football club based in Harrow, in Greater London. The club are currently members of the Isthmian League Premier Division and play at Earlsmead Stadium....
, Tooting & Mitcham United
Tooting & Mitcham United F.C.
Tooting & Mitcham United Football Club are a semi-professional association football club representing the south-west London areas of Tooting and Mitcham, within the London Borough of Merton. The club's stadium, Imperial Fields is located in Morden. The club are nicknamed The Terrors or...
, Molesey
Molesey F.C.
Molesey F.C. is an English football club based in West Molesey, Surrey. The club are currently members of the Combined Counties League Premier Division and play at the Walton Road Stadium.-History:...
and Walton & Hersham
Walton & Hersham F.C.
Walton & Hersham F.C. is an English football club located in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, currently playing in the Isthmian League Division One South. They play in a red and white home kit at Stompond Lane....
– three of which he would later go on to manage. During his time at Kingstonian, he suffered a dislocated ankle and broken leg in three places, which subsequently cut his playing career short after never fully recovering from the injury. On his playing career, Westley said "I felt sorry for myself too often when I should have been leading the team".
Early management
While recovering from a broken leg, at the age of 28, Westley was appointed as manager of KingstonianKingstonian F.C.
Kingstonian Football Club are an English, semi-professional football club that are playing in the Isthmian League Premier Division for the 2011–12 season. The club has played at Kingsmeadow in Kingston upon Thames since 1989, after leaving their traditional Richmond Road ground...
in December 1996 after approaching the club about their vacant managerial post. His first two games in-charge of the club both ended in 4–4 draws against Walton & Hersham
Walton & Hersham F.C.
Walton & Hersham F.C. is an English football club located in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, currently playing in the Isthmian League Division One South. They play in a red and white home kit at Stompond Lane....
and Harrow Borough
Harrow Borough F.C.
Harrow Borough Football Club is a semi-professional English association football club based in Harrow, in Greater London. The club are currently members of the Isthmian League Premier Division and play at Earlsmead Stadium....
respectively, with Westley saying "at the time, there was something raw and exciting about the team that I sent out. Although there was also something evidently missing". His first victory in-charge of the club was a 2–0 win over Wokingham Town in the Isthmian League Cup
Isthmian League
The Isthmian League is a regional football league covering London and South East England featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs. It is sponsored by Ryman, and therefore officially known as the Ryman League. It was founded in 1905 by amateur clubs in the London area...
, before securing his first league win in the following game, a 5–2 win away at Aylesbury United
Aylesbury United F.C.
Aylesbury United are a football club based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, currently playing in the Spartan South Midlands League, nicknamed the Ducks....
. Kingstonian drew clear of relegation, with Westley recalling a 3–2 victory over champions Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
at Huish Park
Huish Park
Huish Park is a football ground in the suburbs of Yeovil, Somerset, England and is the home ground of Yeovil Town Football Club. The stadium replaced the club's previous ground, The Huish famous for numerous FA Cup giant-killings was officially opened on 4 August 1990, with a match against then...
as a "memorable victory". Despite securing safety for the club, he was sacked after just five months, being replaced by Geoff Chapple
Geoff Chapple
Geoff Chapple is an English former football manager. His achievements include winning the FA Trophy five times in seven years with Woking and Kingstonian ....
. He managed Kingstonian for 25 games in total; recording nine wins, eight losses, and eight draws.
In September 1997, Westley was appointed as manager of another club he had previously played for in the form of Isthmian League Premier Division outfit Enfield
Enfield F.C.
Enfield F.C. is a football club, formed in June 2007 after Enfield F.C. ceased to exist....
. He appointed Graham Pearce as his assistant, who had also previously played for, and managed, Enfield. He outlined his ambition of ensuring the club returned to the top tier in non-league, despite a host of financial difficulties at the club, he stated "my ambition is to see silverware in the table, and if you can't take the pressure, you shouldn't take big jobs like this one". His first game as manager of Enfield was a 2–0 home defeat to St Albans City
St Albans City F.C.
St Albans City Football Club is a football club based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England. It was founded in 1908 and plays its home matches at Clarence Park, about 800 yards from the city centre. The club is in the Premier Division of the Southern League...
. Despite securing a 7th placed finish for the club, Westley left the club after just nine months in charge. He managed the club for a total of 41 games; winning 19, losing 16, and drawing 6 – with a win percentage of 46.34%.
Farnborough Town
In 1999, Westley bought a controlling interest in Farnborough TownFarnborough Town F.C.
Farnborough Football Club is an English football team currently in the Conference South after finishing top of Southern League Premier Division in 2009–10. Their home ground is known as the Rushmoor Stadium, formerly Cherrywood Road, based in Farnborough, Hampshire...
and appointed himself as manager. He managed the club to a 12th place finish in his first season in charge, but enjoyed success in the Isthmian Cup; winning the competition in 2000. The following season, Westley guided the club to more success, winning the Isthmian League Premier Division; securing 31 victories out of a possible 42 and amassing a total of 99 points. Westley overhauled the squad shortly after the club's promotion to the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
– something which he now states as a "huge regret". At this point, he also tried to arrange a merger with Kingstonian
Kingstonian F.C.
Kingstonian Football Club are an English, semi-professional football club that are playing in the Isthmian League Premier Division for the 2011–12 season. The club has played at Kingsmeadow in Kingston upon Thames since 1989, after leaving their traditional Richmond Road ground...
– citing the club's "Football League rated ground" as the reasoning behind his proposed idea, although it never happened due to "fans resistance". During the 2001–02 season, the club consolidated their position in the first tier of non–league football; with Westley guiding the club to a 7th place finish in the league. The following season was to be a memorable campaign for Westley, reaching the Third Round of the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
after a 3–0 victory at Southport
Southport F.C.
Southport Football Club are an English football club, based in Southport, Merseyside. They are currently in the Conference National, and play their home matches at Haig Avenue, which has a capacity of 6,008...
, where they faced Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
competition in the form of Darlington
Darlington F.C.
Darlington Football Club is a professional association football club based in Darlington, County Durham, currently playing in the Conference National. The club was founded in 1883, and originally played its games at Feethams, before moving to the Darlington Arena in 2003...
at Feethams
Feethams
Feethams is a cricket ground and the former home of Darlington F.C. for 120 years, from 1883 to 2003, until the club moved into a new stadium on the outskirts of Darlington.- History :...
. Westley guided the side to a 3–2 win over Darlington, and the club were rewarded with a Fourth Round tie at home to Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
. The tie, however, was controversially moved to Highbury
Arsenal Stadium
Arsenal Stadium was a football stadium in Highbury, North London, which was the home ground of Arsenal Football Club between 6 September 1913 and 7 May 2006...
– because the tie stood to make around £600,000 in gate receipts from playing at Highbury, whereas playing at Cherrywood Road
Cherrywood Road
The Rushmoor Stadium is the ground of Farnborough F.C. and the former home of Farnborough Town F.C. before the club went out of business in 2007. It lies in the town of Farnborough, Hampshire. The capacity of the ground was 4,200, with 627 seats...
would only have generated the club an estimated £50,000. Westley left the club after the sell-out 'home' tie at Highbury, which they lost 5–1. Shortly after his resignation, he became manager at Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
rivals Stevenage in January 2003, signing a three-year contract. Westley confirmed he would be leaving his shareholding in Farnborough to other existing shareholders, and would also be withdrawing his financial backing at the club. On moving to Stevenage, Westley said "I've enjoyed my time at Farnborough, but I feel that I need to move on now and that I need to concentrate on football management, which is where my ambitions lie". He went on to state that Stevenage's "long-term potential" was another key factor behind the move.
Stevenage
When Westley took over the HertfordshireHertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England. The county town is Hertford.The county is one of the Home Counties and lies inland, bordered by Greater London , Buckinghamshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and...
club, Stevenage were sitting 21st in the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
, and were six points adrift of safety. Unlike his position at his previous club, Westley was appointed as first-team manager, with no board involvement. He set about ensuring the club were still in the highest tier in non-league football, signing seven players from his previous club Farnborough, as well as his former assistant Graham Pearce and goalkeeping coach Graham Benstead
Graham Benstead
Graham Mark Benstead is a former professional footballer. He was a goalkeeper who played professionally for Queens Park Rangers, Norwich City, Colchester United, Sheffield United and Brentford before moving into non-league football.Benstead began his career with Wimbledon before Terry Venables...
. His first game in charge of the club was a 1–1 draw at home to Morecambe
Morecambe F.C.
Morecambe Football Club is an English football club based in Morecambe, Lancashire. It plays its football in League Two, the fourth division of English football, having been promoted in 2007 for the first time in their history to the Football League. They played their home matches at Christie Park...
, before having to wait three games for his first win at the club – a 2–0 victory away at local rivals Barnet
Barnet F.C.
Barnet Football Club is an English football team from High Barnet, London, England, currently playing in Football League Two. The ground is in the town of Barnet within the London Borough of Barnet....
, thanks to a Dino Maamria
Dino Maamria
Noureddine "Dino" Maamria is a Tunisian footballer and manager who is currently the first team coach at Stevenage.Maamria started his playing career with AS Marsa of Tunisia, spending two years with the club professionally after progressing through the youth system. He left the club in 1994, and...
brace. The victory sparked an eight game unbeaten run, recording six victories on the bounce to ensure the club were safe from relegation. Westley had guided the club from 21st in the table to a respectable 12th place finish by the end of the season. The 2003–04
2003-04 in English football
The 2003-04 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Arsenal completed the entire campaign without losing a single league game....
season witnessed a much more consistent season under Westley's management, but the club were unable to make the play-offs and finished the campaign in 8th place, despite a positive start to the season.
As was the case in previous seasons, Westley made wholesale changes at the end of the season, releasing several of the players he had originally signed from Farnborough, and replacing them with a mixture of players with Football League experience – in the form of Brian Quailey
Brian Quailey
Brian Quailey is a professional footballer from Saint Kitts and Nevis currently playing for East Midlands Counties League Premier Division side Oadby Town where he plays as a Striker....
, Dannie Bulman
Dannie Bulman
Dannie Mark Bulman is an English footballer who plays for Crawley Town as a midfielder.-Career:Born in Ashford, Surrey, Bulman joined Crawley Town after signing from Stevenage Borough in 2006. He joined Oxford United in May 2009 and joined Crawley Town on loan in September 2010 after winning...
, and Matt Hocking
Matt Hocking
Matthew James "Matt" Hocking is an English football defender.Hocking joined Southport late in the January 2007 transfer window, from Conference South outfit Fisher Athletic. After a year and a half with the Sandgrounders, he signed for Gateshead on 18 August 2008. After making 13 starts and seven...
– as well as players from lower divisions such as Jon Nurse
Jon Nurse
Jonathan David "Jon" Nurse is a Barbadian footballer who plays for Dagenham & Redbridge.-Club career:Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, Nurse started out playing in Sunday league football before joining local club Sutton United. He broke into the first team after doing well in the reserves and went...
and Craig McAllister
Craig McAllister
Craig McAllister is a Scottish footballer who plays for Conference National club Newport County as a striker....
. Westley also gave first-team opportunities to players who had progressed through the club's youth system, most notably George Boyd
George Boyd (footballer)
George Ian Boyd is a footballer who plays for Peterborough United as a winger.Boyd started his career in the Charlton Athletic youth system, joining Stevenage Borough of the Conference National in 2001 and making his first-team debut in 2002. Boyd spent five seasons at Stevenage, scoring over...
. The squad originally struggled to perform, losing five games in the first eight games of the club's league campaign. However, two victories by wide margins against lowly opposition in the form of Farnborough and Northwich Victoria
Northwich Victoria F.C.
Northwich Victoria Football Club are an English football club who play at the Victoria Stadium in Wincham, Northwich, Cheshire in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of the English football league system.Northwich are an old club, founded in 1874 and named in honour of...
respectively propelled the club into a mid-table position. However, this was followed by two heavy defeats at the hands of York City
York City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
and Canvey Island
Canvey Island F.C.
Canvey Island F.C, known as the Gulls or Yellow Army, are an English football club founded in 1926 that play in the Isthmian League Premier Division....
– the latter a 4–1 home defeat against part-time opposition. After the game, with hundreds of Stevenage fans calling for Westley to be sacked, he confronted fans in the East Terrace
Broadhall Way
Broadhall Way, known as The Lamex Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is an association football stadium in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. It has been the home ground of Stevenage since 1980, and has a capacity of 7,100 people, including 3,142 seats.-History:The club plays at Broadhall Way, previously...
by saying he "would turn it around". Westley's side responded with four straight wins, and stayed within touching distance of the play-offs for several months. An important double over Carlisle United
Carlisle United F.C.
Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system....
in March 2005, as well as crucial wins at Aldershot Town
Aldershot Town F.C.
Aldershot Town Football Club is an association football club based in Aldershot, Hampshire, England, founded in the spring of 1992 just after the closure of debt-ridden Fourth Division club Aldershot Football Club...
, Woking
Woking F.C.
Woking Football Club is a football club from in Woking, Surrey, England, formed in 1889. They are playing in the Conference South in the 2011–12 season. For the 2011/2012 season, Woking are sharing their ground with Conference National club Hayes & Yeading United.-Promotion to the...
, and Crawley Town
Crawley Town F.C.
Crawley Town Football Club is an English football club based in Crawley, West Sussex. They won the title of the Football Conference, by a record 15 point margin on second place, and with it promotion to The Football League, in April 2011.-1896–2009:...
meant that Stevenage went into the final day of the season needing to beat already relegated Leigh RMI, and had to rely on Tamworth
Tamworth F.C.
Tamworth Football Club are an English semi-professional football club based in the town of Tamworth, Staffordshire. Nicknamed 'The Lambs', they are currently members of the Conference National, the fifth highest tier in the English league system....
to hold Morecambe, who were currently occupying the final play-off spot. Stevenage beat Leigh 2–0, whilst Tamworth held Morecambe to a goalless draw, ultimately meaning Westley's side had reached the play-offs on the final day of the season. Westley engineered two solid displays to ensure Stevenage overcame second-placed Hereford United
Hereford United F.C.
Hereford United Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Hereford. Founded in 1924, they are competing in Football League Two in the 2011–12 season. Hereford have played at Edgar Street for their entire history and are nicknamed 'The Whites' or 'The Lilywhites',...
2–1 on aggregate, but lost 1–0 to Carlisle United at the Britannia Stadium
Britannia Stadium
The Britannia Stadium is an all-seater football stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, England and the home of Premier League club Stoke City Football Club. With space for 27,598 spectators . The name is taken from the sponsors of the Stadium the Britannia Co-operative Bank...
in the final.
The 2005–06
2005-06 in English football
The 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether...
season marked Westley's third season in charge as manager of the club, and although the club were consistent at Broadhall Way
Broadhall Way
Broadhall Way, known as The Lamex Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is an association football stadium in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. It has been the home ground of Stevenage since 1980, and has a capacity of 7,100 people, including 3,142 seats.-History:The club plays at Broadhall Way, previously...
throughout the season, the side struggled for form away from home, winning just four games on the road all season. Stevenage's poor away form was ultimately preventing the club from mounting any serious title challenge, and throughout the campaign Westley's side would often "lose the game before it began" – in away games against Southport
Southport F.C.
Southport Football Club are an English football club, based in Southport, Merseyside. They are currently in the Conference National, and play their home matches at Haig Avenue, which has a capacity of 6,008...
, Morecambe
Morecambe F.C.
Morecambe Football Club is an English football club based in Morecambe, Lancashire. It plays its football in League Two, the fourth division of English football, having been promoted in 2007 for the first time in their history to the Football League. They played their home matches at Christie Park...
, and Burton Albion
Burton Albion F.C.
Burton Albion Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club's home ground is the Pirelli Stadium, having moved from Eton Park in 2005...
respectively, Westley's side trailed 3–0 before half-time. Westley had also fallen out with striker Anthony Elding
Anthony Elding
Anthony Lee Elding is an English footballer, currently playing as a striker for Conference National side Grimsby Town....
, who was eventually sold to Kettering Town
Kettering Town F.C.
Kettering Town Football Club are a football club originating in Kettering, Northamptonshire but currently based in the nearby village of Irthlingborough. The club play in the Conference National after winning the Conference North in 2007–08...
in January 2006. There were also increasingly frequent question marks surrounding the discipline of the squad under Westley's control, as Stevenage received fourteen red cards during the campaign, more than any other club in the league by some distance. A 2–0 defeat away to relegation-threatened Forest Green Rovers
Forest Green Rovers F.C.
Forest Green Rovers Football Club is an English football club based in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, currently the longest-serving members of the Conference National. The club is affiliated to the Gloucestershire County FA.-Early years:...
on the final day of the season meant that Stevenage failed to reach the play-offs, finishing 6th in the table. After failing to reach the play-offs, Westley confirmed in May 2006 that he would leave the club when his contract expired in June, ending his three and a half year tenure with the Hertfordshire club.
Rushden & Diamonds
He was appointed manager of Rushden & DiamondsRushden & Diamonds F.C.
Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of...
in December 2006, with the club sitting 22nd in the table, two points adrift of safety. Westley's first game in charge of Rushden was a 1–0 victory away at Cambridge United
Cambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
, as he set about ensuring safety. Westley secured the signatures of several players who he had previously managed at Stevenage; signing the likes of Jamie Cook
Jamie Cook
Jamie Robert Cook is the lead guitarist for the British indie rock band Arctic Monkeys.He is the most outspoken member, going on record as saying he "fucking hates the [print] news" and defending the band's numerous successive records by saying, "I couldn’t see us being like Coldplay, it’d just be...
, David Perpetuini
David Perpetuini
David Perpetuini is an English footballer, who currently plays for Arlesey Town F.C..-Career:He attended John Hampden Grammar School in High Wycombe. He is a defender and currently plays for Aylesbury...
, and Dino Maamria
Dino Maamria
Noureddine "Dino" Maamria is a Tunisian footballer and manager who is currently the first team coach at Stevenage.Maamria started his playing career with AS Marsa of Tunisia, spending two years with the club professionally after progressing through the youth system. He left the club in 1994, and...
. Westley also brought in the likes of Michael Bostwick
Michael Bostwick
Michael Paul T. Bostwick is an English footballer who plays for League One side Stevenage as a midfielder.Bostwick started his career at Millwall, and played regularly for the club's Under–18 side and reserve team. At the age of 17, he joined Conference National side Crawley Town on work...
and Chris Beardsley
Chris Beardsley
Christopher Kelan "Chris" Beardsley is an English footballer who plays for League One side Stevenage as a striker.Beardsley started his career with Mansfield Town, spending two years at the club, during which he spent a brief period on loan at Worksop Town in 2004...
– younger players who he had previously written about in his weekly column in The Non-League Paper
The Non-League Paper
The Non-League Paper is a weekly British sportspaper based on non-League football.-External links:*...
when he was out of work. Westley's newly assembled team secured five straight wins in the league, including wins away at the top two teams in the league at the time, Oxford United
Oxford United F.C.
Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The...
and Dagenham & Redbridge
Dagenham & Redbridge F.C.
Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club , informally known as Daggers, is an English association football club based in Dagenham, in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, East London. It was formed in 1992 after a merger between Redbridge Forest and Dagenham...
. Despite managing an upturn in the form of the club, Westley was surprisingly sacked after a 2–2 draw at Aldershot Town
Aldershot Town F.C.
Aldershot Town Football Club is an association football club based in Aldershot, Hampshire, England, founded in the spring of 1992 just after the closure of debt-ridden Fourth Division club Aldershot Football Club...
in February 2007. He had taken the club from 22nd in the league to 12th in the space of two and a half months, and the club were on a seven match unbeaten run at the time. In total, he managed Rushden for 13 games; winning seven, drawing three and losing three. The reason behind Westley's sacking is unknown, but he was replaced two days later by Garry Hill
Garry Hill
Garry Hill is an English football manager, who resigned as manager of Rushden & Diamonds in February 2009. He is currently the manager of Conference South club Woking.-Career:...
.
Kettering Town
Shortly after leaving Rushden, Westley was appointed caretaker managerCaretaker manager
In association football, a caretaker manager is someone who takes temporary charge of the management of a football club, usually when the regular manager is dismissed or leaves for a different club. However, a caretaker may also be appointed if the regular manager is ill or unable to attend to his...
of Conference North
Conference North
The Conference North also known as Blue Square Bet North for sponsorship reasons, is a division of the Football Conference in England, taking its place immediately below the Conference National. Along with Conference South it is at Step 2 of the National League System and the sixth overall tier of...
outfit Kettering Town
Kettering Town F.C.
Kettering Town Football Club are a football club originating in Kettering, Northamptonshire but currently based in the nearby village of Irthlingborough. The club play in the Conference National after winning the Conference North in 2007–08...
for the rest of the 2006–07 season in April 2007. Due to the date he joined, Westley was unable to bring any new players in to bolster the squad, with just two games remaining until the end of the season. His first game in charge was a 0–0 draw away to Stalybridge Celtic
Stalybridge Celtic F.C.
Stalybridge Celtic are an English full time professional football club from Stalybridge, Greater Manchester in North West England. The club, which plays its home matches at Bower Fold, is currently in the Conference North in the sixth tier of the English football league system...
, shortly followed by a 1–0 loss to Alfreton Town
Alfreton Town F.C.
Alfreton Town F.C. is an English football club based in Alfreton, Derbyshire. The club was reformed after a merger between Alfreton Miners Welfare and Alfreton United in 1959...
at Rockingham Road
Rockingham Road
Rockingham Road, known as the Elgoods Brewery Arena for sponsorship purposes, is a football stadium in Kettering, Northamptonshire, England. It was home to Kettering Town F.C. until 2011, who play in the Conference National....
– this was enough to ensure Kettering finished the season in second place. He managed Kettering in the play-offs, as they were beaten on penalties by Farsley Celtic in the semi-final after a 1–1 aggregate scoreline over two legs, he left shortly after when his short-term contract expired in May 2007, managing the club for a total of four games.
Return to Stevenage
After almost a year without work in football, Westley surprisingly returned as Stevenage manager in May 2008 – two years after he had originally left. On his return, Westley stated he had come to "finish the job he started" – referring to trying to guide the club into the Football League for the first time in its history. He said that "the moment was right" for him to come back into football and that he "had some very good times at Stevenage before". His appointment was met with a fair bit of scepticism by Stevenage fans, but Westley promised to deliver a winning team, playing attractive football. Westley started by completely overhauling the squad in the summer transfer window and brought in no fewer than twelve players in an attempt to mount a serious Conference NationalConference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
title challenge. Among those brought in were Gary Mills
Gary Mills (footballer born 1981)
Gary Leonard Mills is an English footballer who plays for Nuneaton Town.-Rushden & Diamonds:Born in Isle of Sheppey, Mills began his career with Rushden & Diamonds as a trainee in 1999. His debut for the club, at the age of 18, came on 28 August 1999 in a 4–0 victory over Sutton United...
and David Bridges
David Bridges
David Stephen Bridges is an English footballer who plays for Kettering Town as a midfielder.Bridges started his career with local side Cambridge United, progressing through the club's youth system and eventually breaking into the first–team in 2001...
, who Westley had managed during his short-stint at Kettering. He also signed Michael Bostwick
Michael Bostwick
Michael Paul T. Bostwick is an English footballer who plays for League One side Stevenage as a midfielder.Bostwick started his career at Millwall, and played regularly for the club's Under–18 side and reserve team. At the age of 17, he joined Conference National side Crawley Town on work...
and Mark Albrighton
Mark Albrighton
Mark Christopher Albrighton is an English footballer who plays as a central defender for Conference North side Nuneaton Town.-Career:...
, who he had also signed at Rushden & Diamonds
Rushden & Diamonds F.C.
Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of...
. Westley also secured the signatures of Andy Drury and Eddie Odhiambo respectively, both of which were players Westley had previously earmarked.
Stevenage started the season poorly, losing 3 out of their first 4 games and conceding 13 goals in the process, including a 5–0 loss to Wrexham on the first day of the season. The club secured its first victory under Westley in late August 2008, a 3–1 win away at Barrow
Barrow A.F.C.
Barrow A.F.C. are an English football club founded in 1901 based in the town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. Following promotion at the end of the 2007–08 season, they currently play in the Conference National. The club spent over fifty years in the Football League between 1921 and 1972, and have...
, before winning four games on the bounce in September. However, through the first half of the club's 2008–09 campaign, Westley's side were suffering from the same inconsistency that was common in his first spell as manager of the Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England. The county town is Hertford.The county is one of the Home Counties and lies inland, bordered by Greater London , Buckinghamshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and...
side, losing three games on the trot in November – the last of which was a 2–1 home defeat to Wrexham, it was to be Stevenage's last defeat at Broadhall Way
Broadhall Way
Broadhall Way, known as The Lamex Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is an association football stadium in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. It has been the home ground of Stevenage since 1980, and has a capacity of 7,100 people, including 3,142 seats.-History:The club plays at Broadhall Way, previously...
in the league for 18 months. Westley brought in former player, Dino Maamria
Dino Maamria
Noureddine "Dino" Maamria is a Tunisian footballer and manager who is currently the first team coach at Stevenage.Maamria started his playing career with AS Marsa of Tunisia, spending two years with the club professionally after progressing through the youth system. He left the club in 1994, and...
as first-team coach at the club. This, coupled with key signings during the campaign, such as Chris Day
Chris Day
Christopher Nicholas Day is an English professional football goalkeeper currently playing for League One side Stevenage....
, Mark Roberts
Mark Roberts (footballer born 1983)
Mark Alan Roberts is an English footballer who plays for League One side Stevenage as a defender.Roberts started his career at Crewe Alexandra at the age of 11, and progressed through the youth ranks at the club; signing a professional contract with The Railwaymen at the age of 19...
, and Jon Ashton
Jon Ashton
Jonathan James "Jon" Ashton is an English footballer, currently playing for League One side Stevenage....
, meant that Stevenage witnessed an up-turn in form half way through the campaign. A 24 game unbeaten run stretching from December 2008 to April 2009, as well as winning crucial games towards the latter stages of the season, ultimately meant that Westley's men made the Conference National play-offs, finishing in the last play-off place. Despite taking a 3–1 lead into the second leg, Stevenage lost 4–3 overall on aggregate to Cambridge United. Westley did, however, enjoy success in the FA Trophy
FA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
when he led the side out at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
in front of 27,102 as Stevenage beat York City
York City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
2–0 in the Final
2009 FA Trophy Final
The 2009 FA Trophy Final was the 39th final of The Football Association's cup competition for levels 5-8 of the English football league system. It was contested by Stevenage Borough, who won the competition in 2007, and York City on 9 May 2009 at Wembley Stadium in London.Stevenage won the match...
. The win was Westley's first taste of success as manager of Stevenage. After the game, it was announced that Westley was to stay on as manager for another year.
The majority of the squad that performed so well in the second half of the club's 2008–09 campaign were retained, with very little transfer activity in comparison to previous seasons under Westley. Steve Morison
Steve Morison
Steven William "Steve" Morison is a Welsh international footballer who plays for Norwich City as a striker.Morison started his career at Northampton Town at the age of 16, progressing through the club's centre of excellence...
, the club's top goalscorer for the past three seasons, moved to Millwall
Millwall F.C.
Millwall Football Club is an English professional football club based in South Bermondsey, south east London, that plays in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. Founded as Millwall Rovers in 1885, the club has retained its name despite having last played in the...
for a fee of £130,000, while both John Martin
John Martin (English footballer)
John Martin is an English footballer who has most recently played a midfielder for Chelmsford City in the Conference South.-Career:...
and Calum Willock
Calum Willock
Calum Daniel Willock is an English-born Saint Kittitian and Nevisian international footballer who plays as a forward for Ebbsfleet United in the Conference National....
were released by Westley in late May 2009. Midfielder Gary Mills was the last departure of the close season; rejecting a contract and instead opting to join fellow Conference rivals Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
. Five players joined the club during the close season. Charlie Griffin
Charlie Griffin
Charles John "Charlie" Griffin is an English professional footballer who plays for Forest Green Rovers.Griffin started his career with Bristol Rovers, spending two years at the club and progressing through the club's youth system. He was released at the age of 18 and played part–time football with...
was the first signing of the season, joining Stevenage from Salisbury City
Salisbury City F.C.
Salisbury City Football Club is an English football club based in Salisbury, Wiltshire currently playing in the Conference South. They were formed in 1947 and play at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium...
on a free transfer. Yemi Odubade
Yemi Odubade
Yemi Odubade is a Nigerian footballer, currently playing for Gateshead.Odubade began his football career in England, playing in the Sussex County League for Eastbourne Town in 2002, where he scored over 70 times in just two seasons at the East Sussex club in all competitions...
, Chris Beardsley
Chris Beardsley
Christopher Kelan "Chris" Beardsley is an English footballer who plays for League One side Stevenage as a striker.Beardsley started his career with Mansfield Town, spending two years at the club, during which he spent a brief period on loan at Worksop Town in 2004...
, and Joel Byrom
Joel Byrom
Joel Alan Byrom is an English professional footballer who plays for League One side Stevenage as a midfielder, having joined the club in May 2009....
signed for the club shortly after; the latter commanding a transfer fee of £15,000. Westley had previously managed Beardsley at Rushden & Diamonds and Kettering Town. The last signing of pre-season was Stacy Long
Stacy Long
Stacy William Long is an English footballer who plays for Stevenage of League One as a midfielder.Long started his football career at Charlton Athletic in 1995 and progressed through the youth system, spending a total of ten years on the club's books, and although a regular in the reserve side he...
; who joined the club on a free transfer from Ebbsfleet United. No players departed the club during the season, with Tim Sills
Tim Sills
Timothy "Tim" Sills is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Basingstoke Town.Sills was a product of Millwall's youth system and was a regular in the club's youth team up until he left in 1997...
the only addition – signing for an undisclosed fee from Torquay United
Torquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
in January 2010.
Stevenage's league campaign got off to a typically patchy start; with the side recording just one win from their first five games of the season. Following a 2–1 defeat to Oxford United
Oxford United F.C.
Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The...
in August 2009, the team went on a 17 game unbeaten run that stretched four months from August to December 2009, propelling the club into the top two. Unlike in previous seasons, the club were performing strongly away from home, and secured victories at the likes of Luton Town
Luton Town F.C.
Luton Town Football Club is an English professional football club based since 1905 at Kenilworth Road, Luton, Bedfordshire. The club currently competes in the fifth tier of English football, the Conference National, for the third consecutive season during the 2011–12 season.Formed in 1885, it was...
and Mansfield Town. A 4–1 victory against Cambridge United
Cambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
on New Year's Day
New Year's Day
New Year's Day is observed on January 1, the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar as well as the Julian calendar used in ancient Rome...
ultimately meant that Stevenage hit top-spot for the first time in the season. However, two defeats on the road within the space of a week in February meant that rivals Oxford United had an eight–point lead going into March 2010. The team responded well, winning eight games on the bounce; including an important 1–0 victory over Oxford United in late March, subsequently replacing Oxford at the top of the table. Borough brushed aside a late challenge from Luton Town, securing promotion to the Football League with two games to spare following a 2–0 win against Kidderminster Harriers
Kidderminster Harriers F.C.
Kidderminster Harriers F.C. are an English football club based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire formed in 1886 They currently play in the Conference National and have played at Aggborough Stadium since they were formed...
at Aggborough. The team won their last six games of the league campaign without conceding a single goal, and recorded 42 points from a possible 45 from their last 15 league fixtures. Stevenage finished the season having amassed a total of 99 points from 44 games, winning the league by 11 points, with Westley winning many plaudits for the way he had secured promotion despite considerably less resources than a lot of the teams in the division. The promotion means Westley has led Stevenage to the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
for the first time in their history, as well as managing a Football League team for the first time in his managerial career. Westley also guided the club to another FA Trophy Final
2010 FA Trophy Final
The 2010 FA Trophy Final was the 40th final of the Football Association's cup competition for levels 5-8 of the English football league system. The match was contested by Stevenage Borough who won the competition in 2007 and 2009, and Barrow who won the competition in 1990...
; this time losing 2–1 after extra-time against Barrow at Wembley Stadium. At the end of the season, Westley signed a new two-year contract; keeping him contracted to the club until 2012. On signing the new deal, Westley said "I am grateful for all the support that we have all been given in the past two years. I am delighted to have the opportunity to manage the launch of the club into the Football League". In his first two seasons back at the club, from May 2008 to May 2010, Westley has been in charge for 114 games, winning a total of 70 games – recording a win percentage of 61.40%.
Similarly to the club's successful campaign the season before, but in complete contrast to his first tenure at the club, the 2010–11 season witnessed a "five in, five out" policy regarding transfer activity – with roughly five players joining the club, while roughly five players leave the club in the close season. The club started the season inconsistently, with Westley stating the season would be a "massive learning curve" for both himself and the players. Following four defeats in six games in December 2010 and January 2011, Stevenage found themselves in 18th position, just four points above the relegation zone. However, during a congested period throughout February and March 2011, Stevenage won nine games out of eleven, propelling the club up the league table and into the play-off positions. This included winning six games on the trot, a sequence only matched by Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
. A 3–3 draw against Bury on the final day of the season meant that Stevenage finished the season in sixth place. They faced fifth place Accrington Stanley
Accrington Stanley F.C.
Accrington Stanley is an English association football club from Accrington in Lancashire, in the North West of England, who play in Football League Two, the fourth-highest division in the English football league system....
in the 2010–11 League Two play-off semi-finals, winning both legs by a 3–0 aggregate scoreline. They beat Torquay United
Torquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
1–0 in the Final
2011 Football League Two play-off Final
The 2011 Football League Two play-off final was a football match contested by Stevenage and Torquay United on 28 May 2011 at Old Trafford in Manchester to decide the fourth team to be promoted from League Two to League One for the 2011–12 season....
at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
on 28 May 2011. The victory meant that Westley had guided the club to back-to-back promotions, playing in League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
for the first time in the club's history. On securing promotion, Westley said "It's a fantastic feeling. The players work so hard and they deserve everything they get". During the 2010–11 season, Westley also guided the club to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
, where they lost to Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
2–1. In the previous round, Stevenage beat Premier League side Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
3–1 at Broadhall Way. After the match, Westley said before the game he had told the players to "go out and win the match 5–0. We established that if we did just 20% of what it would take to win 5–0 then we would still win the game".
At the start of the 2011–12 season, Westley signed a three-year contract extension at Stevenage that keeps him contracted to the club until 2014.
Personal life
Westley writes a weekly column in The Non-League PaperThe Non-League Paper
The Non-League Paper is a weekly British sportspaper based on non-League football.-External links:*...
, sharing his views and experiences on the non-league game. He is also the chief executive of the Aimita Corporation, an organisation that provides performance management consulting. Westley has also gained a Master of Arts
Master of Arts (postgraduate)
A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
degree in company direction.
Managerial statistics
- As of 26 November 2011.
Team Nat From To Record G W L D GF GA Win % Kingstonian Kingstonian F.C.Kingstonian Football Club are an English, semi-professional football club that are playing in the Isthmian League Premier Division for the 2011–12 season. The club has played at Kingsmeadow in Kingston upon Thames since 1989, after leaving their traditional Richmond Road ground...
Kingdom of England29 December 1996 10 May 1997 25 9 8 8 52 50 36.00 Enfield Enfield F.C.Enfield F.C. is a football club, formed in June 2007 after Enfield F.C. ceased to exist.... Kingdom of England26 September 1997 30 May 1998 41 19 16 6 78 67 46.34 Farnborough Town Farnborough Town F.C.Farnborough Football Club is an English football team currently in the Conference South after finishing top of Southern League Premier Division in 2009–10. Their home ground is known as the Rushmoor Stadium, formerly Cherrywood Road, based in Farnborough, Hampshire... Kingdom of England2 August 1999 28 January 2003 197 108 55 34 326 218 54.82 Stevenage Kingdom of England29 January 2003 30 June 2006 164 79 49 36 237 196 48.17 Rushden & Diamonds Rushden & Diamonds F.C.Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of... Kingdom of England18 December 2006 25 February 2007 15 8 4 3 16 10 53.33 Stevenage Kingdom of England2 May 2008 Present 194 104 42 48 308 172 53.61 Total
Honours
Farnborough Town- Isthmian League Cup (1): 2000–01
- Isthmian League Premier Division (1): 2000–01
Stevenage- FA TrophyFA TrophyThe Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
(1): 2008–092008–09 in English footballThe 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while... - Conference NationalConference NationalConference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
(1): 2009–102009–10 Football ConferenceThe 2009–10 Football Conference season was the sixth season with the Conference consisting of three divisions, and the thirty-first season overall. The Conference covers the top two levels of Non-League football in England. The Conference National is the fifth highest level of the overall pyramid,... - League Two play-offs (1): 2010–112011 Football League Two play-off FinalThe 2011 Football League Two play-off final was a football match contested by Stevenage and Torquay United on 28 May 2011 at Old Trafford in Manchester to decide the fourth team to be promoted from League Two to League One for the 2011–12 season....
Individual- Conference National Manager of the MonthConference NationalConference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
(3): October 2005, January 2009, January 2010
See also
- Stevenage F.C. season 2008–09Stevenage Borough F.C. season 2008–09The 2008–09 season was Stevenage Borough F.C.s 15th season in the Conference National. This article shows statistics of the club's players in the season, and also lists all matches that the club will play in the season. Their 6th place finish in the 2007–08 season meant it was their...
| 2009–10 | 2010–112010–11 Stevenage F.C. seasonThe 2010–11 season was Stevenage F.C.s first season in the Football League, where the club competed in League Two. This article shows statistics of the club's players in the season, and also lists all matches that the club were played in the season...
| 2011–122011–12 Stevenage F.C. seasonThe 2011–12 season will be Stevenage F.C.s second season in the Football League, where the club will be competing in League One. This article shows statistics of the club's players in the season, and also lists all matches that the club will play in the season...