Good but could have been better (Jonathan Woodgate)

Member Name: paulie1975

Product:	Jonathan Woodgate
Date:	04/02/09 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great reader of the game

Disadvantages: Injuries, court cases

Jonathan Woodgate born 22 January 1980 in Middlesbrough is an enigma of English Football, a ball playing Centre Half who can read the game majestically and run a game from defence, however what comes with these are a problem with injuries and in his past some really unfortunate incidents with court cases and press coverage.

Woodgate began his career at his home town club but moved to Leeds at the age of 16 as he disagreed with the club's views of his future. He won the Youth Cup with Leeds and made his debut in 1997 for the club becoming a calming influence on the team.

Unfortunately off the field things weren't going so well. Following an incident in Leeds in January 2000 a student suffered severe injuries, Woodgate and teammate Lee Bowyer were charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray. Their initial trial collapsed in April 2001 after an article in a Sunday newspaper told too much about what had happened and compromised the opinions of the first jury, following a second trial in 2001, Bowyer was cleared of both charges while Woodgate was convicted of affray and sentenced to community service, some of his friends were convicted of assault and imprisoned.

This had a huge effect on Woodgate and as well as being abused by fans as a racist bully, it made him realise he had to concentrate on his career, which to that point had been very promising but with far too many injuries.

Due to the financial problems Leeds were enduring, Terry Venables was forced to sell Woodgate to Newcastle United for £9m in January 2003, the fit was perfect a team without a defence signing a wonderful player who could read the game brilliantly and still had youth on his side.

In 2004 Woodgate was sold to Real Madrid for £13.4m, this caused consternation amongst Toon fans who questioned their clubs ambition, while Real fans questioned who Woodgate was. Woodgate really took to Spanish life and whilst his colleagues Owen and Beckham struggled with the language and culture he really threw himself into it, possibly rejuvenated at having left the press and fan abuse in the UK and being given a second start.

Woodgates time in Madrid was blighted by injuries, Woodgate became a regular despite injuries, own goals and sending offs, but despite this and his elevation to cult status among Madridista's he was voted the worst signing of the 21st Century by a Spanish newspaper.

In August 2006, Woodgate returned to his hometown club, Middlesbrough on loan despite interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle. He signed permanently for £7m in 2007, happy at being home as captain of the club he supported as a boy. Woodgate was perfect for the club and gave them a solid defensive base to attack from. He was voted North East player of the year in the same season.

In January 2008 Woodgate joined Tottenham citing the desire to win trophies, he scored the winning goal in the Carling Cup final win over Chelsea and was therefore correct in moving. This season he has been caught in their relegation dogfight with a different defensive partner most weeks a shaky goalkeeper and little protection by his defence, he is still consistent but needs support from his teammates.

Woodgates England career has been blighted by injury, the media interest over his court case and Rio Ferdinand and John Terry being consistent first choices, Woodgate proved at Leeds that he and Ferdinand make a perfect pair and compliment each other brilliantly, however England Managers have often preferred the leadership and desire of Terry.

Woodgate still has time on his side and could play for much longer due to his reading of the game, his maturity and his excellent footballing brain, however could he have achieved much more had he never got involved in some bad things away from the pitch?

Senior Career

Leeds United - 104 (5)
Newcastle United - 28 (0)
Real Madrid - 9 (0)
Middlesbrough - 46 (0)
Tottenham Hotspur - 33 (1)
England - 8 (0)

Looking at these stats, for somebody who has been in the game for 10 years, 230 games is far too few and perfectly sums up his injury record.

Summary: Good but could have been better