We are delighted to confirm the signing of Alex Woodyard on a free transfer, who joins on an 18-month contract following his release from Colchester United.
A 31-year old defensive-minded midfielder, Alex will offer experience and assurance at the heart of Steve Morison’s team, and comes in as the first arrival of the January transfer window.
Having started his career at Charlton Athletic, Woodyard moved to Southend United at the age of 16 and made his professional debut the same year, starting in the Shrimpers’ 3–1 away loss to Burton Albion in League Two. He would go on to make three appearances by the time he turned 17 and later gained experience out on loan at Farnborough and Braintree Town, the latter preceding a period back at Southend in which he won successive Player of the Month awards in October and November 2012.
He would depart Roots Hall permanently ahead of the 2013/14 campaign, with stints at Dartford and Concord Rangers preceding a return to Braintree in 2015. He would impress during his brief spell back at Cressing Road and later followed manager Danny Cowley to Lincoln City in 2016, and it was during his time at Sincil Bank where Woodyard gained his first taste of silverware. Woodyard ended the 2016/17 season as the Imps’ Player of the Season as the club won promotion back to the Football League as Conference Premier champions, ending a seven-year absence from the fourth tier.
A successful two-year spell at Lincoln would come to an end in 2018 when he opted to join Peterborough United, departing with over 100 appearances to his name. He would captain the side during the 2018/19 season and featured 70 times over two years, before a loan spell at Tranmere Rovers brought his time at London Road to an end.
Woodyard would make the switch to AFC Wimbledon and enjoyed a successful three-year stint in South London, making 123 appearances and notably scoring against arch-rivals MK Dons. A brief spell at York City followed, with the midfielder spending a season at the LNER Community Stadium before he reunited with manager Cowley at Colchester in the summer.
Upon confirming the capture of Woodyard, U’s Head Coach Morison commented, saying “I am delighted we’ve been able to get this deal over the line. Alex is a seasoned professional and will add some crucial experience into our side.”
“He’s got previous experience with winning the division when he was at Lincoln, and I see him bringing value to our midfield going into the second half of the season.”
Welcome to Sutton United, Alex!
