Westie Goes East

It now seems that long serving Pars keeper Ian Westwater (36) will be joining Hibs as player/ goalkeeping coach.

As broken on this site last Saturday morning Westie's wishes were to remain playing and although Dunfermline had offered him a similar goalkeeping coaching role, the possibility of still playing was more attractive with the Easter Road men.

So Westie will become cover for Nick Colgan and we must hope that Westie is called into action for the matches against the Pars!

Jimmy Calderwood has been quoted from his Spanish holiday as saying: "It's a blow for us to lose Ian. He's been at the club for over 11 years in his two spells. We had made him an offer to stay, but Hibs topped that and we can only wish him all the best. He has been a first-class servant for Dunfermline."

Ian Westwater was first signed for Dunfermline on 27th March 1985 from Hearts where he had become at age 16, the youngest keeper ever to play in the Scottish Premier League (two matches 1980-81). Ian always wanted to be a goalkeeper - perhaps influenced by the fact his father played in goals for Queen of South and Arbroath.

Ian was selected for Scottish Schoolboys at under 15, under 16 and under 18 levels and also for Scottish Professional under 17 and under 18 squads. He was a member of the Scottish Professional Youth squad which won the European Championships.

At a time when he thought he might establish himself in the Edinburgh side's first team Ian suffered a ligament injury whilst playing for the Scottish Youths against Brazil and he was out of football for ten months as a consequence.

When he returned to action Ian as unable to get into the first team and was pleased to move to Dunfermline in a £4000 deal. Westie took over the keeper's jersey from Hugh Whyte in season 1984-85.

Westie helped the club win both the Second and First Division titles before joining Falkirk and then Dundee. In March 1994 he returned to East End Park and although living in the shadows of Lee Butler and Kris Mampaey over the last two seasons he remained a favourite with the fans.

Ian Westwater made 25 appearances for Dunfermline in season 1999-2000 achieving 8 shut outs. HIs last match was against Morton at Greenock on 6th May this year.

Good luck at Easter Road Westie but don't save any shut outs up for the Pars matches.