Freddie Woodman has admitted moving to Newcastle United at 14 was a “crazy” time in his life. Alan Pardew’s appointment in December 2010 saw Woodman’s dad, Andy, reunite with his former teammate as goalkeeping coach.
Woodman Snr previously worked under Pardew at West Ham United and Charlton Athletic. When Crystal Palace came calling in 2014, the pair returned south but Woodman Jr remained at the Magpies’ academy.
The promising goalkeeper would go on to lift the under-20 World Cup with England but struggled to break into the first team. An injury crisis presented an opportunity at the start of last season but a mistake against Manchester United proved the final straw.
