Andy Woodman looks set to call time on his five year spell at Newcastle, as Alan Pardew hopes to reunite with the Magpies’ goalkeeping coach at Crystal Palace, according to the Shields Gazette.
Woodman is the only remaining member of Pardew’s coaching setup from his time at Newcastle, following the sacking of John Carver and Steve Stone earlier this window. Many expected Woodman to follow the duo out the exit door, but Lee Charnley was holding out for Palace to pay compensation for him.
The Eagles had made initial enquiries with regard to signing Andy Woodman, but they were unprepared to match Newcastle’s compensation plan.
As pre-season draws to a close and Steve McClaren remains keen on adding his own goalkeeping coach, Charnley could be about to lower his asking price in order to force a move.
Woodman fuelled speculation surrounding his Newcastle future tonight as he missed the club’s penultimate pre-season friendly against York City tonight, which saw Tim Krul and Karl Darlow train alone in the pre-match warm up.
It was expected that Eric Steele would be the man to replace Woodman, should he depart, but he has since taken up a position working with England’s youth teams.
According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Steve McClaren refused to discuss the situation regarding the departing Woodman this evening, but is compiling a list of names which include Eric Steele, who reportedly rejected the offer of joining the Magpies. Others on the list include Pavel Srnicek and Simon Smith, with the latter labeled favourite for the job.
Woodman, 43, retired from professional football in 2006, having played for a number of different clubs during his 17-year career, most notably spending four seasons at Northampton Town.
