Alfie's Answers

 “Thank you for your letter and all the lovely comments about Alf. Shrewsbury will always have wonderful memories for both of us. Of course, we started married life there, both of our girls were born there and Alf and I will always remember and treasure the football years spent at Shrewsbury. Alf has happy memories of this and I hope to be able to come with him to watch some games this year.”

-Joan Wood

Q) HI Alf
     Thoroughly enjoyed watching you play for the town, how did it come about you changing from a centre half to a forward because you were a revelation in attack I seem to recall you scoring 5 goals in one game am I right?

Shrewblue

A)  Centre half to centre forward as Harry Gregg suggested I tried as I had scored several goals at centre half. It was a great move to play up Front and score the goals. The five goals I scored in one game were against Blackburn Rovers-4 were headers and 1 a penalty, which are very fond memories for me.

Q)  Hi Alf, my first sporting hero and one of the reasons i have loved football since early childhood.
    One of my all time abiding memories of you in a Town shirt was the infamous Blackburn Rovers game, what are your recollections of the game?

Jamo

A)   Thanks….would love to meet you. X

I had only scored 1 goal in four games prior to this, so to score 5 in one game I was just ‘over the moon’ and so proud to be part of the club.

Q)  A Town hero of mine. There's only one Alf Wood. I remember you with great affection. You could have stayed up North and played at a higher level. Why did you come down here and join us?

Jaytee (John Thomas)

A)   Manchester City Decided to put me on the transfer list. I wanted an opportunity to play every game and prove I could be part of a great team. Arthur Rowley had faith in me and convinced me it was the right move. (With the wife’s permission!!!) I signed for Shrewsbury the week before I got married. I enjoyed my time at Shrewsbury and remember the club and supporters with very fond memories. Great move!!!

Q)   What are you’re fondest memories of playing at Shrewsbury?
What are you thoughts of the club languishing in the lower leagues in recent years?

Jayshrews

A)   My fondest memories are the good times when we were scoring goals and winning, moving to centre forward and the fans cheering us on!!!!

Times are difficult for the lower leagues especially from a financial aspect. Television and sponsorship has obviously gone to the ‘bigger clubs’. The need for local support is more important than ever and to build a good youth squad. I am sure the time will come soon when Shrewsbury will get promoted….Let’s hope it’s this year!!!

Q)    Did you ever think of going into management?

Jaytee (John Thomas)

A)  I was not interested in management, I always preferred coaching. To be able to pass on my experience and knowledge was more rewarding and to see kids enjoying playing the game.

Q) Alf I remember you as one of the finest headers of a ball I ever saw and it was fantastic to shake your hand at the last game at Gay Meadow.
What was Arthur Rowley like as a manager?
What was Harry Gregg like as a manager?
How highly did you rate Dave Roberts as a winger?

RBA

A)   Thanks for your comments; Arthur Rowley was a great manager and player. He had the experience, knowledge and love of the game and club

Harry Gregg was a great character, hero at Munich, fantastic goalkeeper and someone who made a difference for me by playing me a centre forward.

Dave Roberts on a good day could fly down the wing and cross the ball which gave us many goals. He certainly gave me the opportunity to ‘head them in’!!!

Q)  Alf, hope you are feeling not too bad, you were my true hero when you were at the Town.

Just one question for you, who did you prefer playing alongside when you moved up front?

I always thought George Andrews was a good partner, but did you also play up top with Terry Harkin and was he better, or is my memory fading?
Best wishes: Dave

A) To both questions about who I preferred to playing with it’s a team playing together and winning.

Q)   Hi Alf

You were my hero also. One particular memory I have of you was an amazing tussle with Jim Furnell, the former Arsenal keeper, when he was with Plymouth. I remember Furnell ending up sitting tangled up in the net of the Station End goal. Do you recall that incident and who else did you have regular battles with?

Best wishes
Paul

A) Thanks again for your comments. I seemed to get in that situation on several occasions. Once I could get the ball and see clear on goal there was only one thing left to do…….Score!!!!

Q)  My all time favourite town player.
Playing for the town you must have memories of many players, who in your opinion was the best, who was the craziest and who was your best mate!
Thanks and all my best wishes.

Alfwoodlives

A)  Yes I have memories of many players; Allan Groves, Dave Roberts, John Moore, Tony Gregory, Allan Boswell to name a few, we all had many good times together. As a family man we use to socialize with Dave Roberts and his family.

Q)  Is this story that went around at a game I watched (where you left the field after 15 minutes but came back on a minute later) true? The urban myth was that you had to relieve yourself, is it true? If so, care to elaborate?

Ratcliffesghost

A)   The only reason I would come of the pitch is if I got sent off! Or carried off!!! I think someone is winding you up!!?

I would like to thank everyone for all your kind words and hope to meet up with you all soon

Regards,

Alf Woods

I will pass on my/our thanks to Joan and Alf for answering the questions. He really was very touched by people’s kind words and had a chuckle or two, especially at Reg’s question. Hopefully his health permitting he will be able to attend a game soon.

Thank you for your patience

Lou Phillips – Trust Secretary