One to Watch – Martyn Woolford

Scunthorpe midfielder Martyn Woolford has been singled out by Vital QPR as the One to Watch ahead of this weekend`s encounter at Glanford Park.

Name: Martyn Woolford

Date of Birth: 13-10-1985 (Pontefract)

Previous Clubs: Glasshoughton Welfare, Frickley Athletic, York City.

Appearances (Goals): 127 (27)

Woolford is a true testament to the work of grass-roots football as he has risen through the ranks to compete in the second-tier of English football.

Starting out as a youngster at Glasshoughton Welfare he showed glimpses of class impressing several scouts from league clubs. He was subsequently offered trials by Doncaster Rovers, Barnsley and Bradford City but didn`t do enough to earn a contract.

He signed for Northern League Premier side Frickley Athletic after three years at Glasshoughton. He scored 14 goals in his first season for Frickley who extended his contract for a further year while continuing to court the interest of league clubs.

Woolford played for Stockport County on their pre-season tour of Ibiza with Hartlepool United, York City and Guisely also alerted to the young talent and it was the Minstermen York who snapped him up after his rejection from Stockport.

He made his debut for York in the home stalemate with Stafford Rangers and scored his first goal against Morecambe a couple of weeks later. Another brace saw City defeat Woking away and raise hopes of a promotion back to the Football League.

It wasn`t forthcoming despite Woolford`s eight goals in his first campaign but promised much for the subsequent season. He penned a new deal in October and was the subject of several enquiries following his six goals in the first part of the 2007-08 season.

The midfielder managed 14 goals in the season overall in a midtable finish for City. He was watched by Dario Gradi of Crewe Alexandra in the latter stages of the season but reaffirmed his loyalty to the Minstermen.

He played for the England C side against Grenada and Barbados and continual interest came from League clubs including Cheltenham Town, but eventually he made the move to Scunthorpe United for an undisclosed fee.

In his first season with the Iron he played an impressive role in their eventual promotion back to the Championship. He scored seven goals most notably coming towards the end of the season. His goal in the home game against Milton Keynes Dons helped see the Iron through to the final.

Woolford yet against scored at Wembley with five minutes to go and settled the Playoff final tie with Millwall. He had previously scored in a fruitless final against Luton Town in the Johnstones Paint Trophy but now his goal took Scunthorpe back to the Championship.

A player that continues to improve year on year, Woolford has adapted to every level of football he has graced and so far this season he has stamped his mark on Championship football with the winner against Derby County at Glanford Park.




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