The City fans are hoping that Ryan Woods’ loan transfer from Championship club Hull City will become permanent.
When Ryan Woods became Gary Caldwell’s final signing during the January transfer window, his presence did not surprise many fans. Many would have liked the ‘big name’ striker that the club worked so hard to obtain, but it is fair to say that Woods has been yet another astute purchase by Exeter’s cunning manager.
Woods was out of favour at Hull and coming off a failed loan transfer to League One rivals Bristol Rovers. He admitted that he had not been enjoying his game, but that changed when he joined a team in Exeter that matched his playing style well.
It is no surprise that Woods is enjoying his loan stay in Devon. He has been important in keeping the Grecians out of relegation danger and almost ensuring their third-tier position for another season. Now, City fans are hoping that Woods’ loan signing from Championship club Hull City will turn into something more permanent.
“I spoke with the manager in the summer, and obviously it wasn’t meant to be, for whatever reason,” Woods remarked, reminiscing on his time in Devon. “But, as I said when I signed, I was overjoyed to be here, and I believe it’s a terrific football club with a genuine feel-good factor. Everyone is extremely welcoming, and the style of play is perfect for me, which has been huge.
“I don’t think I’ve had that in a long time, probably a few years, so confidence, style of play, everything is falling into line, and I feel like I can truly show the best of myself again.
“I have another year at Hull, but I am confident that I will sit down with them and discuss what they want to achieve and what I want to do in the future. We’ll take it from there and see what happens.
“First and foremost, we must finish this season and see how successful we can be. I am sure I will speak with the gaffer, but first and foremost, I need to sort out my issue with Hull and see where I stand, and then I am sure we will have a discussion and see what happens.”
Woods, however, has additional duties and considerations now that he is 30 years old. He is now a family man, with his spouse and two small children living in the Midlands. That must be considered, but as Woods knows all too well, a footballer’s career is brief, and as he approaches his thirties, he wants to be somewhere where he feels he can prosper before hanging up his boots.
“Now my kids have started school, it is not as easy to up sticks and move as easily as it would have been previously,” said Woods. “At the same time, I need to love going to work every day, which I am absolutely doing right now.
“I’ve come a long way, but the most important thing is that I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time here, and that’s all a player wants. It’s massive, and I believe you can see it on matchday.
“I’m enjoying coming to training every day, looking forward to playing football on weekends or throughout the week, and everything has been going well. I’m very pleased with how things have gone thus far, and I believe there will be a lot more to come, as well as a lot more to offer. Hopefully, that will come out in the following five games.”
City has a great track record of discovering players who have lost their way and getting their careers back on track, but it’s not just the environment that’s allowing Woods to succeed; it’s also his teammates. With him, Tom Carroll, Reece Cole, and Fulham loanee Luke Harris, the Grecians have a midfield quartet with the technical ability to rival anyone in the division.
“I think we have a lot of good footballers in the midfield area,” Woods stated in a statement. “The style of play suits me, but it’s also wonderful to play with guys who perceive the game in the same way I do, and I believe we’ve demonstrated that in the five or six weeks I’ve been here.
“I believe that is reflected in the results and performances each week on match days. We have the players to be able to achieve that, and I don’t think it would be beneficial to not do so. We have a lot of good, skilled footballers at this club. We want to control games with the ball, and I believe that has demonstrated over the last few weeks.”
