Bobby Woodruff

Robert William Woodruff (born 9 November 1940[1]) is an English former professional footballer.

Bobby Woodruff
Personal information
Full name Robert William Woodruff
Date of birth (1940-11-09) 9 November 1940
Place of birth Highworth, England
Playing position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
Swindon Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1958–1964 Swindon Town 180 (20)
1964–1966 Wolves 63 (18)
1966–1969 Crystal Palace 125 (48)
1969–1974 Cardiff City 150 (22)
1974–1976 Newport County 52 (7)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Born in Highworth, Wiltshire, Woodruff began his career at his hometown club Swindon Town where he broke into the first team at 18. He was a regular in the side before joining Wolves in 1964 for forty thousand pounds. During this time he gained a reputation as a long-throw specialist but eventually moved on two years later to Crystal Palace. He helped take Palace to division one but only played a handful of matches in the top flight before being allowed to leave and join Cardiff City[2] for £25,000. He was signed as a replacement for Barrie Jones. He scored six goals in six games when asked to play as a centre forward. He was released in 1974 and joined neighbours Newport County. He later finished his career playing in Welsh League football.[2]

After retiring, he took positions as both youth coach and reserve team coach at Cardiff, also later working as a social worker.[3] Woodruff's son, Robert Woodruff, also played for Cardiff City, Swindon Town, Newport County and Cork City before having a successful career in Belgium. Robert scored the first league goal for Cork City FC in 1984.[2]

References
  1. http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/ForceFrames.htm?http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/Person.asp?PersonID=WOODRUFB%5B%5D
  2. Purkiss, Mike; Sands, Nigel. Crystal Palace: A Complete Record 1905–1989. The Breedon Books Publishing Company. p. 94. ISBN 0907969542.
  3. "STFC's first-ever promotion" BBC Retrieved on 26 February 2008
  • Bobby Woodruff at Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Database
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