Alan Woodward, born 7 September 1946, Sheffield, England. In the annals of Sheffield United´s rich footballing history, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Alan Woodward, affectionately known as Wood to fans far and wide. His legacy transcends mere statistics, encapsulating the essence of a local hero whose prowess on the pitch and dedication to the game left an indelible mark on the club and its supporters.
A dynamic force on the field, Alan Woodward was renowned for his thunderous shots and dead-ball prowess, particularly from corners, where he frequently found the back of the net with unerring accuracy. Donning the iconic No.7 shirt, he embodied the quintessential attributes of a modern winger: pace, power, and skill. Yet, despite his undeniable talent, Woodward´s journey was tinged with the bittersweet narrative of unfulfilled potential, attributed in part to his tempestuous temperament, which some argue cost him international recognition. Woodward´s ascent to footballing prominence began in the heart of Sheffield, where he honed his craft and earned his stripes in the red and white of Sheffield United. His early forays into the first-team came in the County fixtures of the 1963–64 season, where he left an indelible mark with his clinical finishing and electrifying performances. Sheffield United had without doubt unearthed a star for the future and his Football League debut in a 3-1 loss to reigning champions Liverpool at Anfield on the 7th of October 1964 marked the beginning of a storied career, punctuated by memorable goals and unforgettable moments.
His first League goal for Sheffield United arrived on the 31st October the same year when he placed the ball past Welsh international goalkeeper Gary Sprake with a composed close-range strike in a 4-1 defeat against bitter enemies Leeds United in front of a boisterous crowd of more than 33,000 spectators at Elland Road. Woodward, who was also something of a set-piece specialist with his excellent deliveries and long passes, quickly established himself in the first-team and would go on to score seven goals in 27 League appearances during the 1964-65 campaign. After four seasons at Bramall Lane, he suffered relegation to the Second Division with Sheffield United at the end of the 1967–68 campaign, but helped the club return to the First Division three years later. With the South Yorkshire side back in the top-flight, Woodward converted from the spot in a 3-1 win over Southampton at Bramall Lane on the opening day of the 1971-72 season and hit the winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Everton at Goodison Park a week later. He then scored another penalty goal in a 3-1 success over Huddersfield Town at Bramall Lane on the last day of August and netted the winner in a 1-0 triumph against fellow Division One newcomers Leicester City at Filbert Street on the 18th of September.
His prolific form reached its zenith on the 27th of November 1971, as he scored four goals either side of the interval, including a penalty, in a resounding 7–0 Division One win over Bobby Robson´s Ipswich Town at Bramall Lane, a testament to his clinical precision and predatory instincts in front of goal. All in all, he managed to find the back of the net on 15 occasions in the First Division that season as John Harris´ men finished a respectable 10th in the table, above such teams as Newcastle United, West Ham United and Everton. Following two more mid-table finishes, Sheffield United finished sixth in the First Division standings in 1974-75, only to find themselves relegated to the Second Division the following term. Despite his heroics for Sheffield United, Woodward´s journey took an unexpected turn at the dawn of the 1978–79 season, as he bid farewell to Bramall Lane to embark on a new adventure across the Atlantic. Joining the Tulsa Roughnecks in the North American Soccer League, Woodward brought his trademark blend of power and precision to the burgeoning football scene in the United States. Dubbed The Boomer for his thunderous shots and pinpoint accuracy, he quickly endeared himself to fans in Tulsa and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the nascent soccer landscape.
Yet, even in distant lands, Alan Woodward´s heart remained tethered to Sheffield, where his legacy endured long after his departure. As the Blades´ leading post-war scorer, with a staggering 538 league appearances to his name, his impact on the club´s history is undeniable. Beyond the confines of the pitch, Woodward´s contributions to the sport extended far and wide, as he continued to nurture the next generation of talent through his involvement in youth soccer in Oklahoma. In the twilight of his career, Woodward´s dedication to the beautiful game remained unwavering, as he transitioned seamlessly from player to coach, mentor, and ambassador. His establishment of the Tulsa Sheffield United FC youth soccer club in 1984 stands as a testament to his enduring passion for the sport and commitment to fostering its growth at the grassroots level. Even after hanging up his boots, Woodward´s influence reverberated far beyond the realm of football, as he dedicated himself to a career with American Airlines, leaving an indelible mark on the aviation industry as he had on the pitch. Retiring in 2009 after two decades of service, Woodward´s legacy as a Sheffield United legend and a stalwart of Oklahoma soccer remains an enduring testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of a true footballing icon. Alan Woodward Playing Career: Sheffield United, Tulsa Roughnecks.