We're trialing another midfielder, recently released by Chelsea, midfielder Michael Woods is having a weeks trial with us, according to CI. Born in York, he's the lad who's move from Leeds academy to Chelsea was subject to a tapping up enquiry and Chelsea ended up paying out millions in a settlement.
He's Neil Woods nephew apparently, courtesy of wiki: Born in York, 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. Eventually the two clubs later agreed an out-of-court settlement, with Chelsea paying £5 million in compensation for Woods and Tom Taiwo. 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. He came on as a substitute for Frank Lampard in the 79th minute. He made two appearances for Chelsea in the FA Cup, 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. Woods was released by Chelsea at the end of the 2010â11 season. He moves like Lampard and he's a bit of a ginge(poor quality clip with no sound, unless you turn it up really loud) [video=youtube;tPj8GgtC3bA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPj8GgtC3bA[/video]
I you tubed him, if he signs his hair will clash terribly with our home kit. He featured quite a lot as a sub for the reserves. I see there was an interview with Lampard who said he was the next big thing coming through at Chelsea! That's the kiss of death if ever!
Wish he was a striker rather than a midfielder, as we seem to have loads at the mo. Does anyone know what sort of a midfielder he is? Attacking, creative, defensive, wideman?
Thanks Glennon, very informative. Looks like McShane will have some competition for the factor 50 sun block at training this morning!
anyone considered going on the website advertised on the video ... gunners4arab ??? made me laugh , i wonder if the powers that be are watching
He's an attacking midfielder, who plays either in the middle, or on the left. There was talk of him moving to Hamburg not long ago: http://lesrosbifs.net/2011/05/more-chelsea-hamburg-rumours-michael-woods-germany-bound/
He's obviously got a lot of talent but the injuries seem to have mounted up on him. But if we keep him fit, he might be a good player for us if he signs.
The opening game of the reserve season is on Wednesday next week, though they may well have a warm up friendly this week.
