Suffolk team manager Andrew Northcote said a major reason for signing Westfield was to help inspire the young players the county has.
"Having played against him on the field, he's as hard as nails, everything you want from your professional," said Northcote. "Every time you come across him, you know you're up for a fight, as a coach that's a win-win.
"Off the field, like a true professional, after the game he'll stay around and have a drink, speak to anyone and everyone at the club, both home and away. That's what minor counties cricket is about.
"You say there might be negative publicity, but I would turn that around and say who hasn't made a mistake in their life? To not be given the second opportunity, that's just not fair.
"Tell me that you've lived the perfect life - I believe from what I know of Merv and the people I've spoken to he's going to be a great addition. When speaking to him about the possibility of him playing, he was like a young boy at Christmas.
"I will trust him wholeheartedly to give us everything that I would expect from a professional cricketer. It's great for the youth section and the first team."
"Having played against him on the field, he's as hard as nails, everything you want from your professional," said Northcote. "Every time you come across him, you know you're up for a fight, as a coach that's a win-win.
"Off the field, like a true professional, after the game he'll stay around and have a drink, speak to anyone and everyone at the club, both home and away. That's what minor counties cricket is about.
"You say there might be negative publicity, but I would turn that around and say who hasn't made a mistake in their life? To not be given the second opportunity, that's just not fair.
"Tell me that you've lived the perfect life - I believe from what I know of Merv and the people I've spoken to he's going to be a great addition. When speaking to him about the possibility of him playing, he was like a young boy at Christmas.
"I will trust him wholeheartedly to give us everything that I would expect from a professional cricketer. It's great for the youth section and the first team."