Paul joined AOE from Perry Common School (now North Birmingham Academy) in the early 1970’s - when the school was a regular source of players including Nigel Gosling, Nick Parton, Kim Furlong, Tony Stafford amongst others.
A prop forward who played predominantly in the 3rd XV under skippers Ken Johnson, Jigger Singh and Derek Weaver, Paul quickly became heavily involved in the Colts set up which had been initiated by Neil Crase. Under Paul’s stewardship strong links were built with KEGS Aston, and other local schools, which saw a steady flow of youngsters to Aston via the sides operating at Under 14, 16 and 19 levels, with the majority progressing through to senior level.
In his 4 years as manager of the Under 19s the side won 48 of their 62 matches – and in 1990/81 and again in 1981/82, under the captaincy of Glyn Brazell and Gary Smith respectively, Aston won the North Midlands Colts Cup. Many of those Colts went on to form part of the highly successful AOE sides of the late ‘80s and beyond. Paul was the worthy and popular recipient of the Harold Richard Trophy in 1981 as Clubman of the Year.
Paul was a regular tourist, along with his family – and after moving from Birmingham to Taunton in the mid 1980’s he returned in Centenary season to go on tour to Portugal. Paul also played in the AOE Exiles v Select XV match to help celebrate our 100 years of rugby.
All who remember Paul as an affable, friendly and substantial contributor to AOE send their condolences to wife Vanessa and family. As funeral arrangements are confirmed, we will provide updates, but in the meantime if anyone wishes to record a personal message, a remembrance book can be accessed at paulwestwood.muchloved.com.
If anyone has any additional photographs of Paul from his playing days, please forward to glyn_brazell@hotmail.com so we can pass these on.