Woodthorpe makes his peace

1:14pm Saturday 26th April 2008

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COLIN Woodthorpe insists he has made his peace with the fact that this season could be the last in his 23-year long career.

The vastly experienced Bury defender made his debut for Chester City in 1985 - ironically against the Shakers in the Freight Rover Trophy - and has gone on to make 613 appearances, playing at every level of the English game.

But at the age of 39, and after being a regular at left-back for much of the season, Woodthorpe finds himself out of the side and contemplating the end of an incredible career.

Things have now come a full circle, and today's home derby against Rochdale could be the last time he steps out at Gigg Lane.

"I'm comfortable with the fact that this might be my last year," Woodthorpe admitted. "I have to be honest and say it wouldn't be a great surprise if my contract was not renewed.

"Having not played for the last seven or eight games, you start to think that you might not be in the manager's plans. But I have played 37 games in total this year.

"Unlike the last few years, I have started the season and not finished it. I feel a bit gutted about that, but that's being picky, I'm delighted to have played that many games.

"I started off here and it looks likely I'll finish off here; football does have a tendency to come a full circle."

Woodthorpe has not totally ruled out extending his playing career if he is not named on Alan Knill's retained list, which is likely to be published next Wednesday.

But he does intend to continue with his coaching badges, and with his six -year-old son training with both Everton and Liverpool, has plenty to occupy his time in the immediate future.

"You look at players like Dion Dublin or Teddy Sheringham and they have played on. Realistically, I'm 40 in January, but you never say never," Woodthorpe said.

"I have done the groundwork in respect to 20-odd years in the game. I enjoy coaching the two kids teams I have got, but at the moment I'm more concerned with what my son is doing on a Saturday.

"I can't devote the time I need to at the moment, but that might change now."

Along with Chester and Bury, the Liverpool-born defender has figured for Norwich City, Aberdeen and Stockport County, playing for the Canaries in the top flight and Europe.

Of those clubs, however, he has played more games for the Shakers, signing for the club in 2002 and helping Andy Preece's side into the play-offs in his first campaign.

"People don't realise how much the club has changed in those years," Woodthorpe said.

"We have been right to the brink and back again. Things were stripped back financially, but there have been some very good players come through the doors at Gigg Lane, particularly the youngsters."