Ian Woan
Encyclopedia
Ian Woan is an English
former professional footballer and current assistant manager at Watford
. He played as a midfielder
from 1985 until 2004, starting in non-league football. Signed by Nottingham Forest
in 1990, he played for the club for 10 years, including a spell in the Premier League. After leaving the club he played for a number of sides, both in England and in the United States, before retiring in 2005.
but never made a start for the then First Division club. He spent five years playing in the lower leagues, including spells at Heswall and Welsh sides Caernarfon Town
and Newtown. Playing for Runcorn, his big break came, aged 22, when on 14 March 1990 he joined Nottingham Forest
for a fee of £80,000.
season, his debut coming almost ten months after joining the club. He made his first appearance on 2 January 1991 as a substitute in a 6–2 victory over Norwich City
and went on to make 12 appearances that season, scoring 3 league goals. He started the 1991 FA Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur
, and was taken off after 63 minutes for Steve Hodge
. Forest went onto lose the match in extra time.
Praised for his attacking flair, crossing and shooting ability, but questioned over his work-rate, lack of pace and team ethic, Woan established himself as one of the most prominent figures in the Forest team. He was considered a dead ball specialist – although Stuart Pearce was often above him in the pecking order. Forest finished in 3rd place in the 1994–95
season, booking a UEFA Cup
place for the following year. At that time Woan was questioned over his modelling career with several lucrative deals apparently distracting his footballing career. In 1996 he was named the Midlands' best-looking man of the year.
In the fifth round of the 1995–96 FA Cup, Woan scored two long-range free-kicks, the second from an acute angle, to secure a 2–2 draw with Tottenham. Woan later said "I knew I wouldn't stand a chance [of taking the free kicks] had Stuart [Pearce
] not been injured. I've tried that [the second free-kick] a hundred times and it always ends up in the Trent!" Forest went on to win the replay at White Hart Lane
3–1 on penalties after a 1–1 draw, with Woan converting his spot kick
. Forest made it to the quarter-finals of both the FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 1995–96
but finished a disappointing 9th in the league and failed to qualify for Europe. On the final day of the season Forest faced Newcastle United
, who were still hoping to secure their first Premier League title. Woan scored a long distance effort from Woan with the game finished 1–1, and the title subsequently went to Manchester United
.
Along with Frank Clark's departure in December 1996, Woan's Forest career began to suffer although the winger was the only player to play for the Reds for in each year of the 90’s decade. During his ten year spell at the club, Woan made 189 league appearances – as well as 32 substitute appearance – delivering 31 goals during his time.
, Woan signed for Swindon Town
and in the 2000/01 season, producing 3 goals from 25 appearances.
A year later Woan found himself joining American outfit Columbus Crew
. Married to an American
wife, the then 33 year old winger endured a difficult season in Major League Soccer
with the team winning just two of their eight opening matches. This led to the replacing of Tom Fitzgerland
, the man who had secured Woan's signature in America.
At the end of the season, Woan was traded to the Miami Fusion
and finished out his MLS career with them.
In 2002 Woan returned to England and signed for struggling Shrewsbury Town
who languished at the bottom of the Third Division. Woan enjoyed linking up with ex-Forest striker Nigel Jemson
and the pair notably inspired the Shrews to one of their greatest ever results. The Shropshire
outfit defeated Everton
– who featured a young Wayne Rooney
– in January 2003 in the third round of the FA Cup
with Jemson scoring twice. It was Woan's last minute cross that insured the Premiership
side’s fate but the Shrews were to be knocked out 4–0 by Chelsea
the next round in a televised match. Shrewsbury were relegated that season and Woan returned to America.
Woan then joined the Syracuse Salty Dogs
of the A-League
(the U.S. second tier) and competed in another season in the States before deciding to return to England.
until deciding to move to Rushden & Diamonds
as first team coach for Paul Hart
in July 2006. Following the sacking of Hart later on in 2006, Woan then returned to Nottingham Forest, charged with coaching some of the youngsters coming through the Forest Academy. In March 2007 he was signed for Hucknall Town
by one-time team-mate Andy Legg
, but did play in any games.
On 7 July 2007, it was announced that Woan had joined Premier League outfit Portsmouth
as coach of their Under-18s. In November 2009, he was appointed joint caretaker manager at Portsmouth along with Paul Groves, following the dismissal of Paul Hart
. His appointment only lasted several days, and he moved aside for the arrival of Avram Grant as the full-time manager.
In the summer of 2010, following the departure of Grant to West Ham
and the appointment of Steve Cotterill
as the new Portsmouth manager, Woan was appointed first team coach. In June 2011, he joined Watford as assistant manager.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
former professional footballer and current assistant manager at Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
. He played as a midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
from 1985 until 2004, starting in non-league football. Signed by Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest F.C.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
in 1990, he played for the club for 10 years, including a spell in the Premier League. After leaving the club he played for a number of sides, both in England and in the United States, before retiring in 2005.
Early career
Woan started his career in 1985 at Manchester CityManchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
but never made a start for the then First Division club. He spent five years playing in the lower leagues, including spells at Heswall and Welsh sides Caernarfon Town
Caernarfon Town F.C.
Caernarfon Town F.C. is a football team, playing in the Cymru Alliance. The club ia nicknamed The Canaries because of its yellow and green strip. Caernarfon Town plays at The Oval, Caernarfon, Gwynedd.-History:...
and Newtown. Playing for Runcorn, his big break came, aged 22, when on 14 March 1990 he joined Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest F.C.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
for a fee of £80,000.
Nottingham Forest
Woan did not make an appearance for the Midlanders in the latter half of the 1989–901989-90 in English football
-European competitions:English clubs were still banned from competing in European competitions following the Heysel Stadium disaster.- First Division :...
season, his debut coming almost ten months after joining the club. He made his first appearance on 2 January 1991 as a substitute in a 6–2 victory over Norwich City
Norwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
and went on to make 12 appearances that season, scoring 3 league goals. He started the 1991 FA Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
, and was taken off after 63 minutes for Steve Hodge
Steve Hodge
Stephen Brian Hodge is a retired English footballer who enjoyed a high-profile club and international career in the 1980s and 1990s.- Playing career :...
. Forest went onto lose the match in extra time.
Praised for his attacking flair, crossing and shooting ability, but questioned over his work-rate, lack of pace and team ethic, Woan established himself as one of the most prominent figures in the Forest team. He was considered a dead ball specialist – although Stuart Pearce was often above him in the pecking order. Forest finished in 3rd place in the 1994–95
1994-95 in English football
-Premiership:Blackburn Rovers ended their 81-year wait for the league title thanks to the strike partnership of Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton which scored a total of more than 50 league goals. Manchester United would have made it three league titles in a row if they had been able to turn a 1-1 draw...
season, booking a UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
place for the following year. At that time Woan was questioned over his modelling career with several lucrative deals apparently distracting his footballing career. In 1996 he was named the Midlands' best-looking man of the year.
In the fifth round of the 1995–96 FA Cup, Woan scored two long-range free-kicks, the second from an acute angle, to secure a 2–2 draw with Tottenham. Woan later said "I knew I wouldn't stand a chance [of taking the free kicks] had Stuart [Pearce
Stuart Pearce
Stuart Pearce OBE is an English football manager and former player. He is currently the manager of the England national under-21 team and the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Olympic football team...
] not been injured. I've tried that [the second free-kick] a hundred times and it always ends up in the Trent!" Forest went on to win the replay at White Hart Lane
White Hart Lane
White Hart Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Tottenham, London, England. Built in 1899, it is the home of Tottenham Hotspur and, after numerous renovations, the stadium has a capacity of 36,230....
3–1 on penalties after a 1–1 draw, with Woan converting his spot kick
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
. Forest made it to the quarter-finals of both the FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 1995–96
1995-96 in English football
- Premiership :Newcastle United were 12 points clear at the top of Manchester United, but Alex Ferguson's relatively young and inexperienced side overhauled them during the second half of the season to win the title....
but finished a disappointing 9th in the league and failed to qualify for Europe. On the final day of the season Forest faced Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
, who were still hoping to secure their first Premier League title. Woan scored a long distance effort from Woan with the game finished 1–1, and the title subsequently went to Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
.
Along with Frank Clark's departure in December 1996, Woan's Forest career began to suffer although the winger was the only player to play for the Reds for in each year of the 90’s decade. During his ten year spell at the club, Woan made 189 league appearances – as well as 32 substitute appearance – delivering 31 goals during his time.
Later playing career
Upon leaving Forest in 2000, and after a short trial with Bolton WanderersBolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
, Woan signed for Swindon Town
Swindon Town F.C.
Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011...
and in the 2000/01 season, producing 3 goals from 25 appearances.
A year later Woan found himself joining American outfit Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew
The Columbus Crew is an American professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada...
. Married to an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
wife, the then 33 year old winger endured a difficult season in Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
with the team winning just two of their eight opening matches. This led to the replacing of Tom Fitzgerland
Tom Fitzgerald (soccer)
Tom Fitzgerald was an American soccer coach.Fitzgerald played soccer at Hudson Valley Community College before transferring to the University of South Florida his junior season. He played soccer at USF and he graduated in 1974. In 1978, Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida hired Fitzgerald as...
, the man who had secured Woan's signature in America.
At the end of the season, Woan was traded to the Miami Fusion
Miami Fusion
Miami Fusion F.C. was a professional soccer club located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that participated in Major League Soccer from 1998 to 2001. The club played in Lockhart Stadium, which was a former high school stadium converted into a soccer-specific stadium...
and finished out his MLS career with them.
In 2002 Woan returned to England and signed for struggling Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town F.C.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club is an English Association football club based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, who play in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club was formed in 1886 and has played in all the bottom three divisions in various guises since being elected into the Football...
who languished at the bottom of the Third Division. Woan enjoyed linking up with ex-Forest striker Nigel Jemson
Nigel Jemson
Nigel Jemson is an English footballer, who represented his country at the Under-21 level and was the manager of Ilkeston Town, until May 2008...
and the pair notably inspired the Shrews to one of their greatest ever results. The Shropshire
Shropshire
Shropshire is a county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. It borders Wales to the west...
outfit defeated Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
– who featured a young Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Mark Rooney is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester United and the England national team...
– in January 2003 in the third round of the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
with Jemson scoring twice. It was Woan's last minute cross that insured the Premiership
FA Premier League
The Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier...
side’s fate but the Shrews were to be knocked out 4–0 by Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
the next round in a televised match. Shrewsbury were relegated that season and Woan returned to America.
Woan then joined the Syracuse Salty Dogs
Syracuse Salty Dogs
The Syracuse Salty Dogs were a professional men's soccer team based in Syracuse, New York. The club were a member of the USL A-League, playing only two seasons from 2003-2004. The club was owned and operated by the Syracuse Pro Sports Group and played most home games at P&C Stadium...
of the A-League
USL First Division
The United Soccer Leagues First Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico....
(the U.S. second tier) and competed in another season in the States before deciding to return to England.
Coaching career
Woan headed back to Swindon Town, taking charge of the under 18 side at the County GroundCounty Ground, Swindon
The County Ground is a stadium located near the town centre of Swindon, England. It is home to Swindon Town Football Club and has been for over a century.The current capacity is 15,728, all-seated...
until deciding to move to Rushden & Diamonds
Rushden & Diamonds F.C.
Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of...
as first team coach for Paul Hart
Paul Hart
Paul Hart is an English football manager and former football defender, who is currently Academy Director at Charlton Athletic. The son of Johnny Hart, a football inside forward and manager, Hart had five-year spells with both Blackpool and Leeds United, while also playing for Nottingham Forest and...
in July 2006. Following the sacking of Hart later on in 2006, Woan then returned to Nottingham Forest, charged with coaching some of the youngsters coming through the Forest Academy. In March 2007 he was signed for Hucknall Town
Hucknall Town F.C.
Hucknall Town F.C. are an English football club based in the town of Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. The club are members of the Northern Premier League Premier Division and play at Watnall Road.-History:...
by one-time team-mate Andy Legg
Andy Legg
Andrew "Andy" Legg is a Welsh footballer and Wales international who is currently player-manager of Welsh Premier League side Llanelli. He has previously played for Swansea City, Notts County, Birmingham City, Ipswich Town, Reading, Peterborough United, Cardiff City and Newport County...
, but did play in any games.
On 7 July 2007, it was announced that Woan had joined Premier League outfit Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
as coach of their Under-18s. In November 2009, he was appointed joint caretaker manager at Portsmouth along with Paul Groves, following the dismissal of Paul Hart
Paul Hart
Paul Hart is an English football manager and former football defender, who is currently Academy Director at Charlton Athletic. The son of Johnny Hart, a football inside forward and manager, Hart had five-year spells with both Blackpool and Leeds United, while also playing for Nottingham Forest and...
. His appointment only lasted several days, and he moved aside for the arrival of Avram Grant as the full-time manager.
In the summer of 2010, following the departure of Grant to West Ham
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
and the appointment of Steve Cotterill
Steve Cotterill
Stephen "Steve" Cotterill is an English former footballer who is manager of Nottingham Forest.-Playing career:...
as the new Portsmouth manager, Woan was appointed first team coach. In June 2011, he joined Watford as assistant manager.