Stoke take gamble on Woodgate

Stoke City today finished the free transfer contracting of central defender Jonathan Woodgate.

Woodgate joins the Potters after his contract at Tottenham Hotspur expired and has contracted a one-year deal.

The 31-year-old previous England international started out at Leeds United before having spells with Newcastle United, Real Madrid and Middlesbrough in a career blighted by injury.

Talking from the club's pre-season training camp in Austria, manager Tony Pulis told: "The lad is a top-class player and it is been well authenticated that he has had his injury problems, but we trust that if his fitness is managed properly, he will play games for us.

He added: "we have effectively taken him on a pay-as-you-play deal which just shows how desperate the lad is to get his career back on the right track."

Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes added: "there's no doubt that we have got a player with outstanding caliber and experience but he's one who has clearly struggled with injuries over the past 2 years.

"However, sometimes a clean start can trigger a variety of fortunes. Jonathan has been working very heavy throughout the summer on his fitness so he's desperate to make the most of this chance and to play in the Premier League."

Woodgate made just 4 first-team appearances over the last 2 seasons at Tottenham due to a groin trouble.

Stoke take gamble on Woodgate 2011-07-12T02:24:00+07:00 Rating: 4.5 Diposkan Oleh: Admin