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Michael Woods (footballer)

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Michael Woods
Woods with York City in 2021
Personal information
Full name Michael James Woods[1]
Date of birth (1990-04-06) 6 April 1990 (age 34)[1]
Place of birth York, England
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[1]
Position(s) Central midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Scarborough Athletic
Youth career
2004–2006 Leeds United
2006–2007 Chelsea
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2011 Chelsea 0 (0)
2010–2011 → Notts County (loan) 0 (0)
2012 Yeovil Town 5 (1)
2012–2013 Doncaster Rovers 1 (0)
2013–2014 Harrogate Town 37 (9)
2014–2018 Hartlepool United 144 (18)
2018–2019 Harrogate Town 16 (2)
2019–2020 Dover Athletic 33 (3)
2020–2022 York City 29 (8)
2022–2024 South Shields 50 (11)
2024 Blyth Spartans 14 (1)
2024– Scarborough Athletic 0 (0)
International career
2005–2006 England U16 8 (5)
2006–2007 England U17 15 (8)
2008 England U19 4 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:33, 10 December 2024 (UTC)

Michael James Woods (born 6 April 1990) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for National League North club Scarborough Athletic.

He started his career at Chelsea, and has since played for Harrogate Town, Hartlepool United, Dover Athletic and York City.

Club career

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Chelsea

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Born in York,[1] Woods turned down a scholarship from Leeds United to sign for Chelsea. Leeds United chairman Ken Bates accused Chelsea of tapping-up the sixteen-year-old as well as two other academy players.[2] Eventually the two clubs later agreed an out-of-court settlement, with Chelsea paying £5 million in compensation for Woods and Tom Taiwo.[3]

After spending time in the reserves, Woods made his first-team debut for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge against Macclesfield Town in the third round of the FA Cup on 6 January 2007, making him the fourth-youngest player to ever play for Chelsea at 16 years and 275 days old.[4] He made two appearances for Chelsea in the FA Cup, making his debut as a substitute for Ashley Cole against Macclesfield Town and in the next round coming on for Frank Lampard[5] against Nottingham Forest, but did not play in the Premier League. Although his progress was interrupted by a series of injuries, he was ever-present in the reserves.[6] Woods was released by Chelsea at the end of the 2010–11 season.[7]

On 1 November 2010, Woods joined Notts County on loan until January.[8] He made his debut in the second round of the FA Cup, in County's 3–1 win over AFC Bournemouth.[9]

Yeovil Town

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Woods went on a trial spell with Aberdeen in July 2011.[10] On 23 February 2012, following a short trial period Woods signed for Yeovil Town on non-contract terms, with Gary Johnson stating that he was very impressed with his attitude.[11][12]

On 29 February 2012, Woods played his first match in Yeovil's Somerset Premier Cup defeat by Clevedon and his performance was impressed by Johnson as Woods looks to win a first-team place.[13] On 24 March 2012, Woods made his debut for Yeovil Town after coming on in the 74th minute for Dominic Blizzard in a 1–0 loss against Hartlepool United on 24 March 2012.[14] After a handful of encouraging substitute appearances, including scoring his first professional goal in a 3–1 win over Rochdale on 7 April 2012,[15] he forced his way into the Yeovil starting XI but was sent off in only his second start against Stevenage.[16]

Despite initially impressing Gary Johnson his contract was not renewed at the end of the season.

Doncaster Rovers

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On 5 October 2012, Woods joined Doncaster Rovers of League One on non-contract terms and was given number eleven shirt.[17] Woods made his debut on 17 November 2012 against Portsmouth, winning the game 1–0.[18] After making one appearance, it announced on 27 December 2012 that Woods would not have his contract renewed.[19]

Harrogate Town

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Following his release from Doncaster, Woods joined Conference North side Harrogate Town on 2 February 2013 on a free transfer.[20] He scored on his debut in Harrogate Town's 2–1 loss against Brackley Town.[21] Woods had an impressive spell at Harrogate Town, making 35 appearances and scoring nine times.[citation needed]

Hartlepool United

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Woods playing for Hartlepool United in 2015

After a spell in non-league football, Woods signed for Hartlepool United on 8 August 2014 following a successful trial.[22] He stated that joining Hartlepool United gave him a second chance in professional football.[23] Woods made his Hartlepool United league debut on 19 August 2014, just days after appearing in Hartlepool's EFL Cup defeat away to Port Vale.[24] He scored his first goal for the club, where he "acrobatically volleyed the ball", as Hartlepool United beat Exeter City 2–1 on 11 October 2014.[25]

In March 2015, it was announced that Woods would miss at least the remainder of the season due to him dislocating his ankle and fracturing the fibula. Pools boss Ronnie Moore told the press "He's been our best player to be fair and I'm gutted for him".[26] He returned to the Hartlepool side five months later.[27]

Second spell at Harrogate

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On 19 November 2018, Woods rejoined Harrogate Town.[28]

Dover Athletic

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On 31 May 2019, Woods agreed to sign for Dover Athletic on a two-year deal from 1 July 2019.[29] Woods' contract was terminated by mutual consent on 7 September 2020.[30]

York City

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On 7 September 2020, Woods signed for his hometown club York City after leaving Dover.[31] Woods' contract expired at the end of the 2021–22 season, following York's promotion back to the National League.[32]

South Shields

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On 1 June 2022, Woods signed for South Shields.[33] Woods made an immediate impact at Shields, scoring consecutively in his first three games.[34] In April 2023, it was announced that Woods was to miss the rest of the 2022–23 season due to a knee injury.[35]

Blyth Spartans

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On 13 June 2024, it was announced that he had signed for Northern Premier League Premier Division club Blyth Spartans.[36] He departed the club in December 2024.[37]

Scarborough Athletic

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On 10 December 2024, Woods joined National League North side Scarborough Athletic.[38]

International career

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Woods has been capped several times for the English national under-17 team. He is an England Under-18 international and played in the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup.[citation needed] In the summer of 2009, he was called up for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

Personal life

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He is the nephew of Neil Woods and his grandfather is former footballer Alan Woods.

Career statistics

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As of 9 December 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Chelsea 2006–07[39] Premier League 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Notts County (loan) 2010–11[40] League One 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Yeovil Town 2011–12[41] League One 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 1
Doncaster Rovers 2012–13[42] League One 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Harrogate Town 2012–13[43] Conference North 15 3 0 0 — 0 0 15 3
2013–14[43] Conference North 22 6 0 0 — 0 0 22 6
Total 37 9 0 0 — 0 0 37 9
Hartlepool United 2014–15[44] League Two 23 1 2 0 1 0 1[a] 0 27 1
2015–16[45] League Two 33 3 2 0 2 0 0 0 37 3
2016–17[46] League Two 36 2 2 0 1 0 1[b] 0 40 2
2017–18[43] National League 39 8 2 0 — 1[c] 0 42 8
2018–19[43] National League 12 1 1 0 — 0 0 13 1
Total 143 16 9 0 4 0 3 0 159 15
Harrogate Town 2018–19[43] National League 16 2 0 0 — 2[c] 0 18 2
Dover Athletic 2019–20[43] National League 33 3 2 0 — 1[c] 0 36 3
York City 2020–21[43] National League North 12 4 0 0 — 1[c] 1 13 5
2021–22[43] National League North 17 4 2 0 — 1[c] 0 20 4
Total 29 8 2 0 — 2 1 33 9
South Shields 2022–23[47] NPL Premier Division 23 6 3 2 0 0 0 0 26 8
2023–24[43] National League North 27 5 1 0 — 1[c] 0 29 5
Total 50 11 4 2 — 1 0 55 13
Blyth Spartans 2024–25[48] NPL Premier Division 14 1 1 0 — 0 0 15 1
Career total 327 50 24 2 4 0 9 1 365 53
  1. ^ Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
  3. ^ a b c d e f Appearance(s) in FA Trophy

Honours

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South Shields

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2007). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2007–08. Mainstream Publishing. p. 443. ISBN 978-1-84596-246-3.
  2. ^ "Leeds and Chelsea reach settlement over poaching claims". thisislondon.co.uk. 28 October 2006. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  3. ^ "Frank Lampard: We should be turning local lads into stars". thisislondon.co.uk. 4 June 2009. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 7 August 2010.
  4. ^ "No kidding, Cole explains why Chelsea field established stars in the Carling Cup". thisislondon.co.uk. 9 January 2008. Archived from the original on 7 January 2011. Retrieved 7 August 2010.
  5. ^ "Woods in FA Cup spotlight".
  6. ^ "Michael Woods: From Chelsea prodigy to Harrogate Town star". Wetherby News. 13 March 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  7. ^ "Premier League Free Transfer List" (PDF). 16 June 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 June 2011.
  8. ^ "Notts County sign Chelsea's Woods". BBC News. 25 November 2010.
  9. ^ "Notts County 3 - 1 Bournemouth". BBC Sport. 14 December 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  10. ^ "Michael Woods and Mickael Nicoise on Aberdeen trial". BBC Sport. BBC. 26 July 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  11. ^ "Yeovil sign ex-Chelsea youngster Michael Woods". BBC Sport. 23 February 2012.
  12. ^ "Glovers land midfielder Woods". Sky Sport Football. Sky Sports. 23 February 2012. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  13. ^ "Yeovil Town boss Johnson impressed by Michael Woods". BBC Sport. BBC. 29 February 2012. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  14. ^ "Yeovil 0 – 1 Hartlepool". YTFC Official Website. 24 March 2012. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  15. ^ "Yeovil 3 – 1 Rochdale". YTFC Official Website. 7 April 2012. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  16. ^ "Yeovil 0 – 6 Stevenage". YTFC Official Website. 14 April 2012. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  17. ^ "Midfielder Woods Signs Rovers Deal". Doncaster Rovers F.C. 5 October 2012. Archived from the original on 8 October 2012. Retrieved 5 October 2012.
  18. ^ "Report: Portsmouth 0 - 1 Doncaster Rovers". Doncaster Rovers Official Website. 17 November 2012. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  19. ^ "DRFC Rovers release duo". Doncaster Rovers Vital Football. 27 December 2012. Archived from the original on 9 August 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  20. ^ "Michael Woods Joins". Harrogate Town Official Website. 2 February 2013. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  21. ^ "Brackley Town". Harrogate Town Official Website. February 2013. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  22. ^ "Tommy Miller Training With Pools Squad". Hartlepool United F.C. 15 July 2014. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  23. ^ "How £5m ex-Leeds and Chelsea starlet Michael Woods is taking second chance at Hartlepool". Hartlepool Mail. 14 October 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  24. ^ "Daggers Defeat For Pools". Hartlepool United F.C. 19 August 2014. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  25. ^ "Pools Off The Bottom After Fine Victory". Hartlepool United F.C. 11 October 2014. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  26. ^ "Michael Woods: Hartlepool fear midfielder's injury lay-off". BBC Sport. 1 March 2015. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  27. ^ "Hartlepool United Michael Woods gutted to see Buster Gallagher go". Hartlepool Mail. 28 June 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  28. ^ "Woods returns to Town". Harrogate Town AFC. 19 November 2018.
  29. ^ "WOODS JOINS ATHLETIC". www.doverathletic.com. 31 May 2019. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  30. ^ "MIDFIELDER LEAVES CRABBLE". www.doverathletic.com. 7 September 2020.
  31. ^ "Michael Woods signs for City". York City Official Site. 7 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  32. ^ "Michael Woods joins South Shields after exit from York City". York Press. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  33. ^ "Michael Woods Becomes Summer Signing Number Three". South Shields FC. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  34. ^ "Michael Woods". Football Web Pages.
  35. ^ "Michael Woods injury update". South Shields FC. 6 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  36. ^ "Michael Woods is a Spartan". Blyth Spartans AFC. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  37. ^ "Woods leaves Spartans". www.blythspartans.com. 9 December 2024. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
  38. ^ "New Signing- Michael Woods". www.scarboroughathletic.com. 10 December 2024. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
  39. ^ "Games played by Michael Woods in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  40. ^ "Games played by Michael Woods in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  41. ^ "Games played by Michael Woods in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  42. ^ "Games played by Michael Woods in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  43. ^ a b c d e f g h i "M. Woods". Soccerway. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  44. ^ "Games played by Michael Woods in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 June 2016.
  45. ^ "Games played by Michael Woods in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 June 2016.
  46. ^ "Games played by Michael Woods in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 June 2016.
  47. ^ "South Shields | Appearances | Michael Woods | 2022-2023 | Football Web Pages". www.footballwebpages.co.uk.
  48. ^ "Blyth Spartans – Appearances – Michael Woods – 2024–2025". www.footballwebpages.co.uk. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
  49. ^ "Shields clinch title after 1-0 win at Whitby". South Shields FC. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
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