2nd July 1907

West Auckland, Durham

Forward

William Woodward played for Exeter City during the early 1930s after moving from Spennymoor United. Leaving for Bath City his performances at Twerton Park earned him a move to Manchester United although he was to subsequently feature more often for Tranmere Rovers and Chesterfield. 

He began his career with Evenwood Town in the Auckland and District League, prior to joining Chilton Colliery of the Northern League. He then moved to Crook Town of the North Eastern League, and gained a professional contract with them. He soon got on the scoring trail and this prompted Spennymoor United to sign the player in 1931.

After just three months with his new club, he was off to join Exeter City in the summer of 1931. He made his debut for the Grecians in September of that year at St James’ Park against Fulham but was unable to win a regular place in the first-team despite scoring frequently for the reserves.

Released at the end of the 1931-32 season, he joined Bath City where nine goals in 17 games attracted the interest of Manchester United and he joined the Old Trafford club in November 1932 for a substantial fee. He failed to earn a first-team place with United but had more success with Tranmere Rovers (102 games, 38 goals), Chesterfield (29 games, 13 goals) and Stockport County where he played 7 games in 1937/38. He later turned out for Consett and died in County Durham 1975.

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