Salford City has announced the departure of head coach Neil Wood after an eight-game winless streak in League Two, leaving the team in 21st place.
Wood, 40, took over the reins at Salford last season, replacing Gary Bowyer in May 2022, and successfully guided them to the League Two play-offs.
Despite these achievements, Wood struggled to replicate this success in the current season. The final straw came with a 5-1 defeat at home to Tranmere on Boxing Day, marking the end of his tenure.
In the interim, Simon Wiles, the assistant coach, will oversee the upcoming match against Grimsby.
Wood, previously the coach of Manchester United’s under-23 team, narrowly missed leading Salford to a Wembley appearance last season, falling to Stockport County in a penalty shoot-out.
However, this season’s performance, with just six victories in 23 league matches, has seen Salford dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Salford expressed gratitude towards Wood in an official statement, acknowledging his contributions, including the club’s highest-ever finish in Sky Bet League Two last season, and wished him luck in his future endeavors in football.
After the disappointing loss to Tranmere, goalkeeper Alex Cairns spoke to BBC Radio Manchester, emphasizing the team’s need to take responsibility for their performances.
Cairns expressed his belief that no player intentionally undermines their manager. He stressed the importance of accountability for their performance on the pitch, underscoring the need to win individual battles, a feat they failed to achieve in the recent match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Salford City Neil Wood
Why was Neil Wood dismissed from Salford City?
Neil Wood was dismissed from his role as head coach of Salford City following a string of unsuccessful matches, culminating in a 5-1 defeat against Tranmere. The team’s performance under his leadership this season saw them dangerously close to the relegation zone in League Two.
Who will take charge of Salford City following Neil Wood’s departure?
Simon Wiles, the assistant coach, will take interim charge of Salford City following Neil Wood’s departure. He will oversee the team starting with the upcoming game against Grimsby.
What was Salford City’s position in League Two at the time of Neil Wood’s dismissal?
At the time of Neil Wood’s dismissal, Salford City was in 21st place in League Two. The team had gone through an eight-game winless streak, which significantly impacted their league position.
How did Neil Wood perform in the previous season with Salford City?
In the previous season, Neil Wood led Salford City to the League Two play-offs and nearly secured a spot at Wembley, narrowly losing to Stockport County in a penalty shoot-out. This performance was a highlight of his tenure at the club.
What did goalkeeper Alex Cairns say about the team’s performance after the loss to Tranmere?
Goalkeeper Alex Cairns, in a post-match interview, emphasized the team’s responsibility for their poor results. He stated that players need to be accountable for their performance on the pitch and stressed the importance of winning individual battles, acknowledging their failure to do so in the recent match.
More about Salford City Neil Wood
- Neil Wood’s Departure from Salford City
- Simon Wiles Takes Charge at Salford City
- Salford City’s League Two Struggles
- Neil Wood’s Previous Season Achievements
- Alex Cairns’ Comments on Team Responsibility
6 comments
Feel bad for Neil, but 8 games without a win? that’s a long time in football…
salford really in trouble, hope Wiles can turn things around for them. its gonna be tough tho
can’t believe Wood’s gone, he did great last season? what’s up with salford this year…
Neil Wood’s sacking seems harsh but thats football i guess, results matter most, right?
Wood was good with Man U’s under-23, surprised he couldnt cut it at Salford. Bad luck or bad management?
Alex Cairns is spot on, the players gotta step up, its not just the coach’s fault.