LOAN VIEW: JOE WESTLEY

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This week’s ‘Loan View’ sees us catch up with Joe Westley who is spending the second half of the 2023/24 campaign with AFC Fylde

2024-02-21T16:05:11.512Z

LOAN VIEW: JOE WESTLEY

This week’s ‘Loan View’ sees us catch up with Joe Westley who is spending the second half of the 2023/24 campaign with AFC Fylde

2024-02-21T16:05:11.512Z

This week’s ‘Loan View’ sees us catch up with Joe Westley who is spending the second half of the 2023/24 campaign with AFC Fylde

Striker Joe Westley is spending the rest of the current season on loan with AFC Fylde in the National League and the 19-year-old is relishing the development of 'learning the little things about the game' and the importance of claiming all three points on a weekend.

Westley arrived at Turf Moor in 2021 from Fulham and has progressed through the Clarets' academy ranks during his first two seasons at the Club, before he was rewarded with a first professional contract 12 months ago.

The young forward began to frequently find the back of the net for the U21s side over the last year, which resulted in Westley earning himself his first loan move of his career in January to Fylde.

Speaking to Burnleyfootballclub.com, the teenager said: “I think it’s massive for me, it’s my first experience playing in front of crowds and at way grounds, it’s been really enjoyable.

“It’s good learning little things about the game, like slowing the game when in the lead and there’s that pressure for you to win, as three points every weekend really matters.

“When you’re out on loan you learn winning comes before anything and if I can help the team win by scoring goals then that would be perfect for me.

“I’m seven games in, I’m enjoying it so far. We’ve won a few, drawn a couple and lost only once since I’ve been here. It’s been a great experience so far for me, getting used to a new type of football with different expectations of me as a striker."

ACADEMY LOAN VIEW: 2023/24 SUMMARY - Image 1

Westley made his debut for the National League side in a 2-2 draw against Halifax Town last month, before the youngster grabbed his first senior goal in a 5-0 win over Aldershot Town on his fifth appearance.

The striker spoke about the 'relief' of hitting the back of the net for the first time in his senior career and the hope of goals to follow.

“I think the first one is always important, because it sort of kickstarts the other that follow. Obviously, it took me a couple of games to get that first goal and get used to this level of football.

“It was a relief to be honest! But once one hits the back of the net, it gives you that confidence you know to go on and score more goals.

“I sort of take it game by game and my aim every match is to try score a goal and that’s what I love doing. I know I can score goals here and I’m hoping that one goal can just propel more and help the team win as many games as possible.

“I think since I’ve been here, we have played good attacking football, which obviously helps me as a striker going in there and trying to win games."

WESTLEY HAPPY WITH PROGRESS IN 2023/24 - Image 2

Westley added: “But yeah, I have really enjoyed my start to life here and I can’t wait to just keep moving forward. We have to just take it game by game and every match requires different tactics, formation and ways to win.

“It’s a really good environment to be around and I think the fact we’re on a decent run of form helps that too. We have put in some really good performances and like I say only lost once since I have been here, so hopefully the good form can continue."

Pictures: James Giblin