York City have completed the signing of midfielder Alex Woodyard from AFC Wimbledon on a two-year deal according to the club’s official website.
Woodyard would make 123 appearances for the Dons in a three-year stint with the club. During that time, he would also serve as club captain and will bring a vast wealth of EFL experience to York.
The 30-year-old appeared 34 times in League Two last season and was also named as Wimbledon’s Player’s Player of the Year the season prior but he will now be applying his trade in the National League. Woodyard has previous National League experience to his name with Lincoln City, who he would help to the National League title in 2016/17, the Minstermen will be hoping of a reproduction of those exploits this season.
The experienced midfielder is York’s 13th signing of the summer, as the club look to improve on their 19th placed finish in the National League last season.
Who is Alex Woodyard?
With 144 League One appearances as well as 88 League Two appearances to his name, Woodyard will be one of the most experienced players in the National League. His list of clubs include AFC Wimbledon, Peterborough, Lincoln, Tranmere, Southend, Braintree, Dartford and Concard Rangers, so he also possesses plenty of experience in the National League. The 30-year-old is most commonly deployed in the centre of midfield but has also been played as a deep-lying midfielder in the past. Woodyard should walk straight into the Minstermen’s starting eleven and will bring a vocal presence both on and off of the pitch.
What’s been said?
Upon signing for the Yorkshire side, Woodyard said:
“It was a fairly easy decision.
“The club looks like it’s really going in the right direction and it will be a great time to get on board.
“I’ve won this league before with Lincoln City and I know what it takes to be successful at this level. I feel my experience can bring a lot to the side.”
Writer’s view
This is yet another excellent signing for York. Although his form may have dipped last term, Woodyard is more than capable at this level and it would be no surprise to see him back at his best. At 30 years of age, the midfielder’s career is far from over and he’ll be giving his all for the National League side over the next two seasons, as they push for a return to the EFL.
