Football
Exclusive: Bromley Giant-Killer Andy Woodman Hoping for Liverpool Cup Draw to Face Son Freddie
Andy Woodman, manager of Carabao Cup underdogs Bromley, is focused on prolonging their cup run and setting up a clash with Liverpool, where his son Freddie plays. The 54-year-old is determined to beat Wycombe Wanderers first, showcasing his team's hard work ethic.
Bromley v Crystal Palace - Pre-Season Friendly by Crystal Pix/MB Media | Getty Images
Andy Woodman, manager of Carabao Cup giant-killers Bromley, is hoping to prolong his side’s run in the competition and set-up a real family affair.
The 54-year-old, whose players knocked out former Premier League club Ipswich Town to set-up Tuesday night's second round tie against Wycombe Wanderers, insists his sole focus is on beating Mike Dodds’ men.
If that happens, then Woodman hopes Bromley’s reward will be a money-spinning clash against reigning top-flight champions Liverpool, who signed his son Freddie earlier this summer.
“The only thing on my mind, on our minds in fact, is trying to get past Wycombe,” Woodman snr told SportsBoom.com.
“That’s going to be a tough game in its own right and so we’re not looking beyond it. We can’t afford to."
“If we can get through - and taking nothing for granted - then I think you can all work out who I’d certainly fancy getting in the draw. I’d have to have a word with my lad before that one! Definitely. His old man would be on the phone, for sure!”
Godson of Sir Gareth
A goalkeeper like his father, who represented the likes of Brentford, Northampton Town and Oxford United before making a successful transition into coaching, Freddie was once viewed as one of the country’s most promising young shot-stoppers having been capped six times by England at under-21 level.
Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel’s predecessor as England manager, is his godfather having struck-up a close friendship with Andy following their spell together at Crystal Palace.
Freddie was a member of the Young Lions squad crowned European under-17 champions in 2014 before securing both the golden glove and a winners medal at the FIFA under-20 World Cup three years later.
Freddie’s performances last season for Preston North End attracted the attention of Reds boss Arne Slot, whose technical department swooped when his contract at Deepdale expired.
“We’ll be training hard and there won’t be any breaks,” Woodman sr said, ahead of the clash with Wanderers.
“We’re a hard-working bunch and it’s only by working hard that you stand a chance of getting the rewards," he concluded.
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