| JON WOODGATE |
| Personal Stats DOB: 22nd January 1980 Birthplace: Teeside Height: 6'0" Career Stats Squad No. 6 Position: Centre Back Date Signed: 31st May 1997 Signed from: from Trainee Transfer fee: None International Honours: Full England, U21, U18 Previous Clubs: None Profile After a meteoric rise to the top after forcing his way into the Leeds' first team, Johnny Woodgate's amazing first season was capped by a call up from Kevin Keegan to the full England squad at the tender age of 19 years old and the reward of a lucrative four year contract with United. Of all the talented youngsters currently coming through the ranks at Elland Road Jonathon Woodgate was singled out earlier this season by former manager George Graham as perhaps the most likely to make a huge impact at first team level. How ironic then that he did not get his chance in the first team until Graham had departed. Caretaker manager David O'Leary, in only his second game in charge of first team affairs, showed his faith in the youngster by giving him his debut away at Nottingham Forest. Woodgate's impressive performance did much to justify the hype. Middlesbrough born Jonathon has been at Leeds for 5 years now, having signed at the age of 13. Initially a midfielder, he moved to centre-half and was part of the side that won the FA Youth Cup in 1997. A year later he made his debut for the England U-18 team and has since gone on to captain the side. Having broken into the side, Woody has now claimed a a regular spot in the first team . There is no doubt that he has the talent to have a long future ahead of him, but it is important that his development is monitored carefully by the coaching staff at Elland Road in order that he does not fall by the wayside, like so many Leeds youngsters before him. His 1999/00 season was again impressive until events off the pitch after Christmas saw his form dip, although he did make over 45 league and cup appearances during the campaign. The 2000/2001 season was disappointing for the youngster who played his part early on the season, but once his court case in Hull started in January 2001, he failed to recover his place in the squad. |
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