RIP Eddie Woods – the pint-sized rocket who terrorised Sussex defences

Steve Huxley from Eastbourne United tells us: “Wednesday brought the sad news of the passing of the mercurial and wonderful Eddie “Titch” Woods.

"For those of a certain age, Eddie’s name was spoken in hushed tones throughout Sussex. His latter-day students will remember him as one of the best painters and decorators in Sussex, not only being a perfectionist worker, but training a new generation including, coincidentally, current United chair Matt Thompson.

"But for those around in the 1060s, he was the pint-sized rocket who tore apart defences wherever he found them - Woods was unfazed by anyone, in 327 appearances for the club, notching up 41 goals, by the way, he powered Eastbourne United to the top of the tree in Sussex.

"He made his debut in 1958, and in the course of an 11-year career, he helped United win the coveted Sussex Senior Cup for the first time in 1960. They evidently enjoyed the adulation that went with it as they went on to win it again in 62, 63, 64 and 66.

"Those five Sussex Senior Cups were only part of the story - Eddie would happily tell you of promotions, and the night that West Ham came to the Oval for the switching on of the new floodlights.

"Woods was in his element in the company of such as Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, Billy Bonds, Frank Lampard Senior et al.

"Players the like of Titch Woods are becoming a thing of the past nowadays – we can look back to a player who made his own game plan and simply ignored it anyway, enjoying the freedom of gleefully challenging a hapless opponent to a race just to see who could get there first, zigging and zagging, toying with defenders who had no real answer for this tiny dynamo.

"The United faithful knew at the time that it would be a very long time before we saw his like again. Rest in Peace Eddie “Titch” Woods.”

Here is Ken McEwan’s tribute to Eddie…

Football fans and players across the county are mourning the death of Eddie Woods, one of the great sporting talents of yesteryear.

'Titch’ Woods, as he was affectionately known, was introduced to Eastbourne United FC back in 1958 by the internationally famed Jack Mansell.

His recent passing was revealed by Eastbourne United in last week’s Herald.

He went on to become a huge favourite at the Oval, scoring 41 goals in 327 appearances.

A regular county player, he won five Sussex Senior Cup winners’ finals.

In goal for United at the time was Mick Hayward, who told Herald Sport: “He was the heartbeat of the club – as good as anyone we played against.”

During his 11 seasons with United, Eddie played under top England names such as Gordon Jago, Ron Greenwood and Bill Lansdowne.

Former Eastbourne United chairman Barry Winter said: “Eddie was a total United legend, well respected as a player, coach and manager.

"Many young players have him to thank for their grounding. He was a real character and football person.”

Woods always believed there was a fun side to football as well as a will to win.

He was famous for making left-backs look silly with his trickery on the right.

Former team-mates still recall with a smile when he arrived for a home match just minutes before kick-off time.

Hayward explained: “Everyone was in the dressing-room by 2.15 - except Woodsie!

“The minutes ticked on until, at 2.50, Woodsie strolled in without saying a word, overalls still on and bag over his shoulder.”

Boss Gordon Jago then had a big decision to make - did he play the already changed and raring-to-go replacement Dave Fitzgerald or the out-of-favour Eddie Woods?

Jago chose Woods, who of course repaid him with an unplayable performance.

When his senior career came to an end, Woods – who had his own painting and decorating business in Eastbourne – went on to coach at several local clubs including Pevensey, for whom he played his final competitive games. It was the end of a remarkable and memorable football career by a man who will never be forgotten.