After eight years of loyal service for Torquay United, you could argue that the news regarding Steve Woods’s future at Plainmoor comes as somewhat of a surprise.
Despite being a regular in the squad throughout the season, the defender was recently told by manager Paul Buckle that his services would not be required in next year’s campaign. And as a result, Woods will not play for The Gulls for the rest of this season, with plans being made to settle the remainder of his contract at the club.
To say this has left people confused would be an understatement. The timing of the decision has baffled many, who feel that the loss of such an influential player can have no benefit to the squad at such a crucial stage of the season.
There can be no doubt that he’s had a very good season this year. Indeed, it’s no coincidence the inclusion of Woods in the team resulted in an upturn of fortunes for the Gulls, with his partnership in defence with veteran Lee Hodges preceding over a 17 match unbeaten run. It was the perfect answer to his detractors, of which he has had many in recent years.
For all his shortcomings – his lack of pace being one, Woods leads by example. He talks to those around him, organises things, and reads the game well. There can be no doubt that he brought a certain calmness to United’s defence when it needed it most.
However, the difficulty the club would have in offering Woods another contract for next season is that they run the risk of losing some of their more promising young defenders in the summer due to their lack of first team opportunities at the club. Chris Robertson is out of contract in June and has played a bit-part role this season, and Mark Ellis has seen even less action. Both players are still relatively young, and will want regular games if they are not to stagnate as footballers.
Furthermore, there is the issue regarding his troublesome knee. In 2003, a serious knee injury resulted in Woods making only nine appearances. With the defender not getting any younger, could this be a cause of the manager’s decision?
The return of Chris Todd should also be seen as a factor. The 27 year old has recovered from his diagnosis of Leukaemia, and by all accounts has impressed on loan at Salisbury City as he regains his match fitness. It is likely that the Welshman is seen as a first team player for next season, perhaps at Woods’s expense.
By letting him know of his future plans so early on, Buckle has paid Steve Woods the upmost respect. And so he should, after the service he has given the club. But by losing his services for the rest of the season, as things undoubtedly get tenser, experience will be required. And the 32 year old has that in spades, with over 200 United appearances to his name, and promotions and relegations to boot. He has seen it all at Plainmoor, and his experience and know-how could prove to be crucial as the season draws to a close, with The Gulls now firmly in the title picture.
Has Buckle made a serious mistake? Only time will tell.
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