Woodgate set to play

[manc-mag 1]

How bloody unlucky can you get?  Here's the BBC's report if anyone want it..

 

Woodgate endures disastrous debut 

 

Jonathan Woodgate suffered a torrid Real Madrid debut, scoring a spectacular own goal and then being sent off against Athletic Bilbao.

In the first half Woodgate, 25, stooped to clear a Joseba Etxeberria shot only to head the ball past Iker Casillas.

 

Woodgate was red-carded on 65 minutes after picking up a second yellow card.

 

Despite Woodgate's sending off Real went on to comfortably beat Bilbao 3-1, with goals from Brazilian Robinho and a brace from captain Raul.

 

Woodgate's first yellow card came when he lunged at Bilbao midfielder Carlos Gurpegi just before the interval.

 

The second booking was for a foul on Etxeberria.

 

Woodgate confessed: "It was not the best start in the world."

 

On his own goal, he said: "I couldn't believe it. I went to try to block the ball and it just skimmed off my head. Obviously, I did not want to get an own goal."

 

As for his dismissal, the former Leeds United player added: "I just can't believe I got sent off. I didn't think the second yellow card was right, you know, but it's the referee's decision.

 

"I want to thank the public, who were brilliant when I was walking off. They were all clapping and cheering."

 

Injury to Ivan Helguera and a suspension for Sergio Ramos had allowed the central defender to make his debut over a year after joining Real from Newcastle in a £13.4m move.

 

Woodgate had not started a competitive match since tearing a thigh muscle in a Premiership game against Chelsea on 25 April 2004.

 

He had been due to make his debut for Real last October but suffered a recurrence of the injury in a training game.

 

Woodgate did make a brief appearance for Real in the final five minutes of a pre-season match in August.

 

On a positive note, the Englishman came through his debut without any adverse physical reaction.

 

"Physically I felt good," he said. "My leg was no problem and I felt strong."

 

He also vowed: " I will come back stronger."

 

Ah well, I suppose at least he didn't injure himself again.

37788[/snapback]

 

If I've said it once I've said it a thousand time, the lad is no Stevie Taylor!

 

 

 

 

 

[Gemmill 44851]

According to the bloke on the radio, after the own goal his every touch was cheered by the Madrid fans, and he was applauded off when he was sent off. Hopefully he'll still come good.

[manc-mag 1]

According to the bloke on the radio, after the own goal his every touch was cheered by the Madrid fans, and he was applauded off when he was sent off.  Hopefully he'll still come good.

37847[/snapback]

 

I think we should try and get him back on a years loan now that Helguiera is available for them again and Woody's fit.

[Guest Sima]

It's a shame for the lad, better than John Terry when he is on top form and hopefully he will reach it.

 

Wonder if Shepherd comes out and says his number 6 is still available again (even though it isn't)...

[Craig 6682]

Without doubt the best CB I've ever seen play for Newcastle...

 

I'd have a fully fit Jonathan Woodgate back here at the drop of a hat. If he stays fit, decides he wants to return to the Premiership and ends up back at SJP, I'd be chuffed to bits!!

 

The whole no.6 shirt thing is a joke in my eyes though - he never actually wore that shirt for us, always no.27 (yes I know it was allocated to him shortly before his move to Madrid).

[Papa Lazaru 0]

I've never seen a better defender anywhere, than Woody when fit, so hopefully he'll get past this debut and show Madrid what he is capable of.

Edited September 23, 2005 by Papa Lazaru

[TheInspiration 1]

How bloody unlucky can you get?  Here's the BBC's report if anyone want it..

 

Woodgate endures disastrous debut 

 

Jonathan Woodgate suffered a torrid Real Madrid debut, scoring a spectacular own goal and then being sent off against Athletic Bilbao.

In the first half Woodgate, 25, stooped to clear a Joseba Etxeberria shot only to head the ball past Iker Casillas.

 

Woodgate was red-carded on 65 minutes after picking up a second yellow card.

 

Despite Woodgate's sending off Real went on to comfortably beat Bilbao 3-1, with goals from Brazilian Robinho and a brace from captain Raul.

 

Woodgate's first yellow card came when he lunged at Bilbao midfielder Carlos Gurpegi just before the interval.

 

The second booking was for a foul on Etxeberria.

 

Woodgate confessed: "It was not the best start in the world."

 

On his own goal, he said: "I couldn't believe it. I went to try to block the ball and it just skimmed off my head. Obviously, I did not want to get an own goal."

 

As for his dismissal, the former Leeds United player added: "I just can't believe I got sent off. I didn't think the second yellow card was right, you know, but it's the referee's decision.

 

"I want to thank the public, who were brilliant when I was walking off. They were all clapping and cheering."

 

Injury to Ivan Helguera and a suspension for Sergio Ramos had allowed the central defender to make his debut over a year after joining Real from Newcastle in a £13.4m move.

 

Woodgate had not started a competitive match since tearing a thigh muscle in a Premiership game against Chelsea on 25 April 2004.

 

He had been due to make his debut for Real last October but suffered a recurrence of the injury in a training game.

 

Woodgate did make a brief appearance for Real in the final five minutes of a pre-season match in August.

 

On a positive note, the Englishman came through his debut without any adverse physical reaction.

 

"Physically I felt good," he said. "My leg was no problem and I felt strong."

 

He also vowed: " I will come back stronger."

 

Ah well, I suppose at least he didn't injure himself again.

37788[/snapback]

 

If I've said it once I've said it a thousand time, the lad is no Stevie Taylor!

 

 

 

 

 

37804[/snapback]

I agree, he's way too good for Taylor.