Friends reunite for Woodsy (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Friends reunite for Woodsy

FOOTBALLER John Woods heads to hospital for a check up to see if an operation to remove tumours from his stomach was successful knowing just what everyone thinks of him.

The Corsham Town assistant manager is going to hospital on Monday after securing £2,500 for the Dorothy House Hospice in a charity game between his current side and a Tommy Saunders XI, made up primarily of Chippenham Town players from the 2000 FA Vase final team.

At 2.57pm a moment came when everyone forgot about the football match and started clapping.

Woods, who was diagnosed with cancer in January, had walked onto the pitch to kick-off the game between his former team-mates and Corsham. The claps then grew to cheering as the 34-year-old approached the centre spot.

He kicked the ball and there came the biggest cheer of the match.

Woods was touched not only by the cheering but by the hundreds of supporters who had gone along to Southbank. He was also astounded by the players that had travelled from across the west to join him on the day.

The midfielder admitted he was humbled by the experience.

He said: "It was a really good day. It was a good turn out and it was nice to see a lot of people from Chippenham.

"I don't think it could have gone any better really. I thought the game was played in the right spirit and nothing more than that, and all the lads seemed to enjoy themselves with the rolling subs. I thought they did a good job.

"They all made the effort and some travelled a fair way and for them to come was brilliant.

"It was one of those great experiences. The singing definitely brought a lump to my throat, everyone clapping, definitely. But the main thing was to give a bit back."

Woods admitted the event gave his recovery a welcome boost.

"I am feeling pretty good at the moment. The next thing for me is on Monday when I go up to London just to have a chat with the surgeon and the specialist. I am sure they will want to see their handiwork.

"I am quite looking forward to it so I know what else is needed but hopefully it will be a full stop to it all.

"That's what I am looking forward to, putting an end to it. If it isn't I will knuckle down for a bit more."

Woods stood alongside Colin Bush in the Corsham dugout watching the game but admitted he would have loved to have been fit enough to take part.

"The kick-off was unfortunately all I was up to and I wanted to get off before someone charged into me.

"But it was a good afternoon's work and I am sure Dorothy House will be pleased. Someone was there from the hospice and they said they were surprised by the scale of it."

Woods praised both the Chippenham fans and the two teams for providing an entertaining game.

"Chippenham has always had a few fans stand behind the goal and have a sing song.

"I knew that bunch of supporters would be there.

"They have followed Chippenham all over the place and it was a nice reception when I walked onto the pitch.

"As far as the game goes I think it was a case of a team that has not played together for a few years but it was an enjoyable game.

"I have to be grateful to a lot of people who have looked after me, such as the nurses.

"I think this was a bit of a thank you from me to everyone who has helped me.

"The whole day was great. It started with the cricket (England's last gasp Ashes test victory over Australia) and then went through to the football.

"I would like to say a big thank you to all the players and coaching staff of both teams for coming along to support the event.

"Also a big thank you to my friends and family who continue to support me. I really appreciate it."

Former Chippenham chief Tommy Saunders said he was pleased so much money was raised for charity.

He said: "It was a major success and we all enjoyed ourselves and made a great deal of money.

"It is a great achievement for everyone involved and it just shows what everyone thinks of John Woods.

"As soon as my lads got there I could tell they were not too interested in the game with their hugs and high fives.

"They had a great time. They enjoyed it and it was a wonderful day.

"It was great to see all the lads again and there was good support from the Chippenham crowd and I could hear a few songs for Woodsy."

Corsham boss Bush said: "I thought it was a superb day. It was perfect.

"It was great to see all the lads again and there was a lot of good football on show. People who did not come missed out.

"Without any shadow of a doubt it was a tribute to John especially from all the lads who travelled to it."

The game finished in a 5-1 victory for the home side with Scott Lye grabbing a hat trick and John Eldred bagging a brace. Micky Godwin pulled one back for the visitors.