We are delighted to announce that our influential midfielder Alex Woodyard has signed a new two-year contract at AFC Wimbledon.
Woody’s displays in the centre of the park earned him the Players’ Player of the Year accolade for 2021/22 and he became a real favourite with our fans, despite the disappointment of last season.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have signed and the Club’s ambitions match my own. It’s really positive. I’ve enjoyed my first two years here as I’ve got a good relationship with all the boys, the staff, and the fans. I’m really pleased to have signed the new deal.”
The 29-year-old midfielder, who also picked up the Radio WDON Player of the Year award, immediately set his sights on helping the Dons to bounce back next season.
“As a footballer, I think you’ve got to weigh up different options, but ultimately my heart was always set on playing for Wimbledon long-term.
“I feel it was important for me to get another two years to put right the wrongs of last year. I can’t wait to get going. I’ve spoken to the new gaffer briefly. It was a general chat about what he’s going to bring to the Club and what his ambitions are. He’s obviously a good, young manager who did very well at Charlton. I’m excited to work with him and hopefully he can improve me as a player.
“I know we made a good signing the other day in Alex Pearce, so things are looking up, and with a few more additions things will be really positive. I think everyone is excited to come back and get going.”
The challenge of League 2 football awaits next season and Woody, who has made 85 appearances for us in two seasons, is under no illusions about the demands of playing in this division.
“It’s been a while since I’ve played in League Two,” said Woody. “Looking back, it was tough - some of my toughest games have been in this division. For me, it’s probably a more physically demanding league. You’d probably say there are more senior pros in League Two, but in League One there’s probably more younger players making their way in the game.
“It’s important that we recruit some experience as well. It’s vital that we don’t go into the season thinking that because we’ve come down from League One it’s going to be easy. To win games at any level takes a lot of hard work and organisation, so we’ve got to make sure we’re right at the top of our game going into the start of the season.”
Woody was determined to play his part in our run-in last season, but he suffered a calf injury on Easter Monday against Wycombe, which ultimately ruled him out of our bid for survival. He’s now well on the road to recovery ahead of pre-season, having been working with physio Tim Maynard in the gym and at our training ground.
Go behind the scenes with Woody as he returns to full fitness and listen to Rob Cornell's extensive interview with the midfielder by clicking on the link below.