Harry Woods; Knighton’s last number 9.

Harry Woods was born on March 14, 1894 in St Helens and trained as a glass worker while initially playing football as a centre forward with St Helens Town.

He then joined Norwich City and played for them before the first world war, serving his country in the Tank Corps in France.

After the war he played for South Shields before moving to Newcastle United in January 1922 for £2600  – a fee that for a few months was the world record although it was quickly exceeded by the £5000 West Ham paid a few months later for Puddefoot.

Unfortunately Harry didn’t settle with Newcastle and moved to Arsenal on August 25, 1923.

He only got ten goals that season as Arsenal just avoided relegation, but he was still their top scorer, and it was the arrival of Jimmy Brain that really eclipsed him.  In 1924-5 Brain got 12 goals from 28 games, often playing inside forward, while Woods 12 from 32 almost all at number 9.

With Arsenal suffering a second season near relegation Herbert Chapman was brought in, and in 1925/6 with Brain getting 34 goals in 41 games, playing alongside Charlie Buchan (19 from 39) the revolution had started.  Harry played no part in the Arsenal team that season and moved on to Luton Town having played 75 games and scoring 22 goals.

After four years with Luton he returned to North Shields in 1930, but is one of those players of whom we have no knowledge beyond that point.

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One Reply to “Harry Woods; Knighton’s last number 9.”

  1. Harry Woods, we love the way you played soccer games. You are a legend to the sport!

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