15 Facts About Andy Woodward

Andrew Woodward was born on 23 September 1973 and is an English former professional footballer who played in the English Football League for Crewe Alexandra, Bury, Sheffield United, Scunthorpe United and Halifax Town.

Andy Woodward signed his first professional contract with Crewe in July 1992, and made his first team debut on 17 April 1993, coming on as a substitute in a Third Division match at Walsall; he made eight further substitute appearances that season including in the play-off final against York City at Wembley on 5 May 1993.

Andy Woodward made his first of 11 starts for Crewe on 17 August 1993, playing in a League Cup tie against Wrexham at Gresty Road.

Andy Woodward joined Bury on 13 March 1995 and played for the Lancashire club 135 times in five years.

Andy Woodward was then signed by Sheffield United in March 2000.

Andy Woodward played only four games for the Blades, and had two loan spells at Scunthorpe, before joining Halifax Town in the summer of 2001.

When Halifax went into administration in the summer of 2002, Andy Woodward was sacked, and subsequently joined Northwich Victoria.

Andrew Andy Woodward joined the Lancashire police force after retiring from football, eventually leaving the force in November 2016.

Andy Woodward was dismissed for gross misconduct following an inappropriate relationship with a family member of a victim.

Andy Woodward later claimed "People should know I suffered more than one abuser".

In Manchester on 5 December 2016, Andy Woodward was one of five abuse victims at the launch of an organisation, the Offside Trust, to support player victims of abuse and their families.

In October 2017, Andy Woodward criticised Football Association chairman Greg Clarke for 'humiliating' remarks Clarke made to a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing, while the Professional Footballers' Association's chief executive Gordon Taylor said the PFA might sue Clarke over suggestions Taylor had not supported Andy Woodward with further counselling.

The Guardian's coverage said Andy Woodward unsuccessfully sued Crewe for damages in 2004.

Andy Woodward's book was shortlisted for the 2019 William Hill Sports Book of the Year.

Andy Woodward's story was dramatised in the 2022 television film Floodlights, in which he is portrayed by Gerard Kearns and his younger self by Max Fletcher.