Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder and ex-Leeds United prospect Michael Woods has become a free agent at the age of 34.
Woods hit the headlines as a teenager when he was prised from the Leeds academy by Chelsea alongside fellow Whites prospect Tom Taiwo.
Neither hit the heights expected of them at Chelsea and Taiwo retired at 29 due to injury.
Woods has remained in the game, although has been plying his trade below the EFL since 2017. He has represented the likes of Harrogate Town and York City and until recently, was on the books of Blyth Spartans.
Michael Woods failed to make a first-team breakthrough at Chelsea after joining from Leeds United.Michael Woods failed to make a first-team breakthrough at Chelsea after joining from Leeds United.
Michael Woods failed to make a first-team breakthrough at Chelsea after joining from Leeds United. | Dan Istitene/Getty Images
However, the seventh-tier outfit have confirmed Woods has been freed to seek pastures new. A club statement read: “Blyth Spartans can confirm that midfielder Michael Woods has departed the club.
“Woods arrived at Spartans this summer after two years at South Shields, and made 15 appearances for Blyth this season scoring once - a late equaliser away to Ashton United on the opening day of the season.
“The club thanks Michael for his efforts and wishes him well in the next stage of his career.”
It has been a turbulent year for Blyth, who suffered relegation from the National League North at the end of last season.
The club have changed hands twice, with a second takeover of the calendar year having recently been completed.
The club currently sit rock-bottom of the Northern Premier League Premier Division table, on 12 points.