‘I’m excited’ – Bromley boss Woodman on signing versatile former Palace youngster

Bromley boss Andy Woodman is hoping to get new signing Sam Woods up to speed in time for the start of the National League campaign after the former Crystal Palace youngster needed a “little” ankle operation.

Versatile Woods, who can play at the back or in midfield, became the Ravens’ first signing of the summer after he left league rivals Barnet.

The now 24-year-old came through Palace’s academy and made four first-team appearances for the Eagles.

Woods had loan spells at Plymouth and Hamilton Academical before leaving to join Barnet permanently following his release from Palace in 2021.

He made 41 appearances at The Hive before leaving this summer to sign at Hayes Lane.

Bromley kick off their 2023-24 National League campaign at Halifax Town on August 5.

“Sam is a young man that I worked with at Palace,” former Eagles goalkeeper coach Woodman told the South London Press.

“He’s a very good player – he did really well at Plymouth Argyle. 

“I’m excited to see Sam and get him up to speed.

“He had a little operation on his ankle during the off-season, so he’s just coming back up to fitness.

“Again, he was a player who is a local lad and knows the club.
“He can play a couple of positions for us. He will be an important member around the squad. We just have to make sure we can get him ready for the start of the season.

“He can play as a right-sided centre-back. He can play in the middle of the park as a holding midfielder.

“He can even run with the ball in the middle. I don’t foresee a best position for him, but he can cover a number of positions.

“In a squad of our size, we need several players to be able to do that.”