Phil Woosnam
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 1:19 pmSad to hear that yet another former MCFC player has died in the last few days - Phil Woosnam.
A nephew of Max Woosnam and a cousin of Ian Woosnam, Phil was an amateur on City's books while studying for a University degree. Woosnam was with the Blues for three seasons but only managed one first team game.
Woosnam was voted Amateur Footballer of the Year in 1955, and later took a teaching post at Leyton County High School before signing pro forms for Leyton Orient.
After 108 League games for Orient he moved on to West Ham for £30,000 and became known throughout the game as a very skilful ball player who graced the Hammers' team under the captaincy of Bobby Moore. He went on to win 17 Welsh caps to go (plus his earlier 8 amateur caps).
After 147 League games for West Ham he was signed by Joe Mercer for Aston Villa in 1962, but it was his later career in US soccer that he'll be most remembered for. He spent 3 years coaching, managing and playing for Atlanta Chiefs in the USA where he was appointed NASL Commissioner in 1969. He coached the USA World Cup team for the 1970 competition, and was highly influential in promoting soccer in North America.
A nephew of Max Woosnam and a cousin of Ian Woosnam, Phil was an amateur on City's books while studying for a University degree. Woosnam was with the Blues for three seasons but only managed one first team game.
Woosnam was voted Amateur Footballer of the Year in 1955, and later took a teaching post at Leyton County High School before signing pro forms for Leyton Orient.
After 108 League games for Orient he moved on to West Ham for £30,000 and became known throughout the game as a very skilful ball player who graced the Hammers' team under the captaincy of Bobby Moore. He went on to win 17 Welsh caps to go (plus his earlier 8 amateur caps).
After 147 League games for West Ham he was signed by Joe Mercer for Aston Villa in 1962, but it was his later career in US soccer that he'll be most remembered for. He spent 3 years coaching, managing and playing for Atlanta Chiefs in the USA where he was appointed NASL Commissioner in 1969. He coached the USA World Cup team for the 1970 competition, and was highly influential in promoting soccer in North America.