Ian Westwater Testimonial arrangements

Dunfermline Athletic and Hibernian football clubs have joined forces to ensure Westie is given a great send off from his professional football career.

Ian Westwater in typical pose

By now most fans will know that Hibs goalkeeping coach Ian Westwater has been forced to give up football because of an injury he picked up nearly a quarter of a century ago. He ruptured his cruciate ligament while playing for Scotland`s Under-17 side against France in 1981 and has undergone a series of operations on his left knee since. Just two years ago he had major surgery to "realign" his left leg in the hope it would "buy" him another ten years before he needed a further operation. However, following examination by yet another specialist, Westy has been given the devastating news that he must give up coaching. Indeed, Westy’s footballing career will come to a close on Saturday 19th November with Hibs, so tonight’s match will be the last time that Pars fans will see one of their former heroes sporting a tracksuit.

Well, perhaps not quite because Ian has been supported by both Dunfermline and Hibs and, subject to an SFA meeting on 4th December, has been granted a testimonial match. It is likely to be played around the end of March, beginning of April although no further details are known at this time. In the meantime, however, Ian’s Testimonial Committee are preparing for a number of events in the year ahead.

One that should excite Pars fans is a Testimonial Dinner to be held in the Glen Pavilion on Saturday 11th March 2006. Ian says, “I am hoping that this will be one for the fans and their partners because there has been a fantastic number of emails and good wishes from Dunfermline fans.” On the night there will be a number of speakers including Jim Leishman, Jimmy Nicholl, Dick Campbell and funnyman Eric Davidson. There’ll also be auctions, raffles and memorabilia. Ian is hoping to have a table with his original Pars teammates, one with those from the successful late 1980s, then one from the team when he finally left Dunfermline in 2000. The cost has been set at £40 a head, and there will be tables of ten.

Ian is also having a Sports Dinner at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh on Sunday 23rd April 2006. It’s expected to attract a lot of people from the world of football and Ian says he is looking forward to it immensely.

Finally, a Testimonial Golf Day has been arranged for Tuesday 9th May 2006 at Dalmahoy Golf and Country Club outside Edinburgh. This will be for teams of three with a ‘celebrity’ joining each of the teams.

Costs and details for some events have still to be finalised, but it is possible even now to show interest by telephoning Gail Grant, Ian’s Testimonial events manager. She can be contacted on 0131 445 2452, mobile 07785 970471, or by email gail@woodhouselee.com.

Dave Young, Westie`s former team mate at Dunfermline, is the chairman of the testimonial committee and has been active in putting together these events in order to help his good friend out.

Young has attended events at Dunfermline including the 1985/86 Legends Reunited day, as well as the Centenary Club 20th Anniversary Sportsman`s Brunch. Delighted with the reaction he received from Pars fans at such events, Young is proud to head up the Westwater testimonial campaign and will no doubt be hoping to maximise the money that can be raised through all the events planned.