As Crystal Palace’s goalkeeping coach, Andy Woodman was in the thick of celebration with Alan Pardew during their iconic goal against Manchester United in the FA Cup final of 2016.
FA Cup Opening Round: The stage is set for Bromley vs. Blackpool
Where: Hayes Lane | When: Saturday, November 4 | Time: 5:45 pm GMT
Catch the Action: Live broadcast on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and Sport News Center’s website & app
Spanning nearly four decades, the bond between Andy Woodman and Gareth Southgate, forged during their early days at Crystal Palace as apprentice footballers, has endured the test of time and the divergence of their professional paths.
While Southgate meticulously preps for Euro 2024 with the English national team, Woodman gears up for an underdog’s battle as he leads Bromley, his non-league squad, against Blackpool. The clash will unfold under the BBC Two spotlight this Saturday.
The humor isn’t lost on Woodman, who shared with Sport News Center, “Here’s Gareth and me, grappling with the same dilemmas; him with England, me with Bromley. Our catch-ups have us exchanging tales about our squads—it’s quite surreal, really.”
Southgate’s career saw him don the jerseys of Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, and the Three Lions, while Woodman, after parting ways with Palace, found his stride in the lower leagues with teams like Northampton Town and Oxford United.
Their camaraderie blossomed to such an extent that they stood as best men at each other’s weddings and penned ‘Woody and Nord: A Football Friendship,’ a chronicle of their unique experiences within the world of football.
On whether he’d invite Southgate to the modest 5,000-seater Hayes Lane for the upcoming match? Woodman quips, “Absolutely not. He’s not stealing the limelight from my boys!”
Andy Woodman’s Journey from Coaching to Management:
From the sidelines of West Ham, Charlton, Newcastle, to Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Woodman has spent 15 years honing his craft in goalkeeping coaching. Working with renowned names like Arsene Wenger, he decided to take the managerial reins at Bromley in March 2021.
He emphasizes the significance of management skills, stating, “Sure, tactics are essential. But truly, it’s about managing people, inspiring them to give their all, to believe. I’ve always felt I had the makings of a manager.”
Under Woodman’s guidance, Bromley triumphed in the FA Trophy, consistently vied in the playoffs, and are on the cusp of Football League promotion. Currently third in the league, they’re on a hot streak, losing just once in their last 17 games and eyeing their first second-round FA Cup appearance since 1945.
“We’re not flush with cash,” Woodman notes, “but I’ve put together a team that’s all about hard work and professionalism. They’re an honest bunch, and it’s paid off handsomely.”
The Bergkamp Legacy Continues at Bromley
A short distance from Arsenal’s Highbury, where Dennis Bergkamp’s legend was cast in stone, his son Mitchel Bergkamp now continues the legacy at Bromley.
After contributing to Bromley’s playoff push and re-signing for the 2023-24 season, Mitchel has faced setbacks due to concussion issues and will sit out against Blackpool.
With paternal affection, Woodman asserts, “We’re taking our time with him. He’s a great kid, eager to honor the Bergkamp name on the field. Yet, we prioritize health over the game. His return is uncertain, but we’re being cautious.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FA Cup Bromley Blackpool
Who is Andy Woodman?
Andy Woodman is the manager of non-league football team Bromley FC. Formerly a goalkeeping coach at various clubs, he shares a close friendship with England manager Gareth Southgate, with both having a longstanding history dating back to their days as apprentices at Crystal Palace.
What is the significance of the upcoming Bromley vs Blackpool match?
The match is significant as it represents a David vs Goliath scenario in the FA Cup, with non-league Bromley aiming to cause an upset against the higher-tier team, Blackpool. It’s also a noteworthy event because the game will be broadcast live, potentially showcasing Bromley’s underdog spirit to a nationwide audience.
How are Gareth Southgate and Andy Woodman connected?
Gareth Southgate and Andy Woodman met as youngsters at Crystal Palace and have remained close friends ever since. Their careers took different paths, but they have maintained a strong bond, with Southgate being best man at Woodman’s wedding and vice versa. They have also co-authored a book detailing their footballing journey.
What has Andy Woodman achieved with Bromley since his appointment?
Since Andy Woodman took over as manager in March 2021, Bromley has won the FA Trophy, reached the play-offs twice, and is challenging for promotion to the Football League. They have also been on a strong run of form, with only one loss in their past 17 league and cup games as of the writing.
Who is Mitchel Bergkamp and why is he mentioned?
Mitchel Bergkamp is the son of Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp and a player for Bromley FC. He is highlighted in the text due to his famous footballing lineage and because he signed a new contract with Bromley for the 2023-24 season. Unfortunately, he is currently sidelined due to a concussion issue and will miss the upcoming FA Cup match against Blackpool.
More about FA Cup Bromley Blackpool
- Andy Woodman’s managerial career
- Gareth Southgate and Andy Woodman’s friendship
- FA Cup fixtures and updates
- Mitchel Bergkamp at Bromley
- Bromley FC’s journey in the FA Trophy
- Non-league to League One: Bromley’s ambitions
- Arsene Wenger’s influence on coaches
- FA Cup historic upsets
- Bromley vs Blackpool preview
4 comments
totally rooting for Bromley but it’s gutting that Mitchel Bergkamp can’t play cause of his injury. It’s like the Bergkamp magic’s on pause, hope he gets back on the pitch soon.
reading this feels like I’m back at school, errors and all! but let’s be honest, isn’t it refreshing to see non-league teams getting the spotlight? Hayes Lane will be buzzing for sure.
wow, Andy Woodman and Gareth Southgate go way back huh? school friends to top managers. it’s like a movie script or something! and that book they wrote must be a cracker, gotta check it out.
did someone say Dennis Bergkamp? his son’s at Bromley, that’s mad! guess talent runs in the family but dang, concussion’s no joke, wish him a speedy recovery.