Newcastle United goalkeeping coach Simon Smith has paid tribute to Paul Woolston after the former Magpies youngster was forced to curtail his career. The North Shields native arrived at St James’ Park nine years ago after leaving Sunderland, but he left to join Manchester United in 2018.
An unspecified injury forced Woolston to go under the knife twice, but Manchester Evening News reported last year that the young keeper was struggling with a serious hip problem. His finest hour on Tyneside came four years ago when Newcastle U23s defeated Sunderland U23s on penalties at the Stadium of Light, with Woolston converting from the spot.
First-team goalkeeper coach Smith hailed the 23-year-old’s attitude in an emotional farewell post. He tweeted: "So, so sad to hear that Paul Woolston has had to retire from football at the tender age of 23.
