‘I can assure everybody’ – Andy Woodman makes National League vow should Bromley win promotion

EXCLUSIVE
BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk

Andy Woodman says clubs who are promoted to the English Football League have an obligation to continue campaigning for more promotion spots in the National League – and has vowed to do so should Bromley claim a place in League Two.

The Ravens are third in the National League and set to secure their third season in the play-offs in four attempts under the former Crystal Palace and Newcastle goalkeeper coach.Only two teams are relegated from League Two, with the champions of the National League and play-off  winners promoted.

Chesterfield have a 24-point lead over second-placed Barnet and look nailed on to be crowned title-winners.

Woodman wants to see more movement between the fourth and fifth tiers of English football.

“It’s really important,” Woodman told the South London Press.

“We have an obligation. Any club that goes out of this league who has moaned about it and felt the pain of it, should feel an obligation when they go up to make sure they stick by their word.

“I haven’t heard too much noise from Wrexham and Notts County since they have gone up and probably the teams before them.

“I can assure everybody that if I’m lucky enough and we’re good enough to go up, I will not go quiet on that.

“I’ll make sure I’ll do the right thing for what I campaigned about before.  It’s important. We have such a good tier system in this country, and then it goes a little bit tougher at the bit where it needs to be more equal.

“We have an obligation as people who cry about it when we’re in this league, so when we’re out of this league, we should still cry about it. It’s important for the structure of the game.”

Striker Michael Cheek has hit 20 goals this season in all competitions.

The 32-year-old is closing in on his highest tally in a National League season – he scored 23 times in the 2020-21 campaign – having found the back of the net 19 times in the league with eight games to go.

“We have worked closely with Michael,” said Woodman.

“There are parts of his game that need to get better and he needs to do more work in certain areas.

“He’s bought into that and he’s got himself seriously fit.

“I’m going to say this with the utmost respect. Prior to me coming to this football club, he was always regarded as a good non-league centre-forward, but the word non-league doesn’t exist in my head.

“All these clubs are professional and my players have bought into the professional standards that I have set.

“He’s a professional footballer who trains and looks after himself like one – he’s reaping the rewards of that. At the grand old age of 32, he’s still scoring goals. It’s a credit to him.”

Bromley survived over 70 minutes with just 10 men to secure a 1-0 win against Wealdstone on Wednesday evening.

Grant Smith was issued with a straight red card in the 17th minute and was replaced by 19-year-old substitute keeper David Aziaya for his Bromley debut.

The Ravens scored the winner in the 74th minute through Cheek to move five points clear of fourth-placed Solihull Moors.

“It was exactly what we’re about – character and commitment,” Woodman told Bromley’s YouTube channel.

“I must say that we’re the fittest team in the league by a country mile and that showed tonight. That’s testament to our sports science coaching staff and the lads themselves.

“I’m really delighted with the result. We dug in and showed that character that I know we have always got. That team represented me and my staff today, it was a brilliant three points.

“You have those moments when adversity hits you and you find out about a lot of people in your camp – they stood strong for me.”

“I had no worries about Dave coming on. He’s a good, young goalie who is learning his trade.”

He has got a good pedigree and he makes good saves in training every day.

“You just hope it all comes together for him on the night.

“He did really well and I’m chuffed for him.”