Fylde Welcome Westley
AFC Fylde are delighted to announce the loan signing of Joe Westley from Burnley FC until the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
Adding firepower to our strike force, Westley joins the Coasters until the end of the season after impressing for Burnley’s U23s.
Joining the Club in August 2021, striker Westley signed his first professional contract in January 2023.
Initially linking up with the Clarets on a two-year scholarship in August 2021, picking up an injury midway through the 2021/22 season, Westley recovered to play a part for the youth team towards the end of the campaign, coming off the bench to score against Manchester City before netting a brace to complete a comeback win against Derby County in the last game of the season.
Tallying two assists along with those three goals, Westley appeared eight times in the U18 Northern Premier League for the Clarets in 2021/22.
And last season, that goalscoring streak continued. Named the U18s captain at the start of the campaign by boss Tony Philliskirk, Westley would quickly hit double figures, including the opener in a County Cup victory against Blackburn Rovers.
In the second half of the season, the forward moved up into the U21s group and again found his feet quickly, netting a first goal at that level against Stoke City and establishing himself as the number nine until the end of the campaign.
Westley began the 2023/24 season by leading the line for the U21s, scoring five times in the opening four Clarets games, including a hat-trick at Turf Moor against QPR in September.
Speaking on his arrival Joe said, “I’m delighted to join the Coasters.
“I heard about the club’s interest a couple of weeks ago, and from there, it’s been a really smooth process.
“I’m coming to the club to help the club progress, score plenty of goals and experience the men’s game.
“Momentum is a big thing in football, and I’m enjoying life at Burnley right now, which makes things really exciting.
“The way Chris sold it to me, I knew it was the place to be. The way he spoke about how the club can develop players, and how the team has performed since he came into the role.”
Head Coach, Chris Beech added: “I’m thrilled that Joe has decided to the club.
“He took over the mantle in Burnley’s u21s as the top scorer and after watching him play from a younger scholar knowing insight from Tony Philiskirk and making contact with David Longwell at Burnley.
“I’m really pleased that both they hey and us can offer him this opportunity for his further development. He provides support to our attacking options, supporting our current players as we look to enhance our goals-scored column.
“Not only will Joe add opportunities to this but also is a team player who is a hard worker beholden to a great character who’s humble and honest fitting right into our culture and team environment.
“I invite our supporters to join me in wishing Joe well when you see him play.”
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