Legends - Alf Wood
The tenth legend to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is Alf Wood.
Alf was signed by Arthur Rowley to play in defence but it was a later move to the forward line that saw Alf write his name in Shrewsbury Town folklore.
Alf Wood
Macclesfield born Alf Wood started his career at Manchester City and won England Youth honours as a defender. He signed as an apprentice at Maine Road in June 1963 and made 25 League appearances for City and also played in both F. A. Cup games against Shrewsbury in 1965. In those games he impressed Town boss Arthur Rowley and while England were winning the World Cup the Town boss was securing the youngsters signature.
He arrived to replace crowd hero Peter Dolby who was relieved of his defensive duties and was pushed forward. The first couple of months did not go well for Alf and when he was dropped to substitute's bench in November the crowd cheered at Dolby's return to defensive duties. Alf asked for a transfer but was told to think it over and discussed with his wife. She admits they were dark days but they battled through and now those times seem a long way off.
Alf had a couple of games up front before resuming his defensive duties but was accepted as the regular pivot until Harry Gregg bereft of striking power asked Alf to try his hand at scoring goals. It would be the making of his career and in 1971-72 he shared the top scorer in the land spot with Ted McDougall. The 35 goals he amassed that campaign took his grand total for Salop to 64 and fourth in our all time League scorers. Rumours that he was set to move to Spurs fell through but he was London bound as Millwall stepped in to pay Town's asking price.
He was a big hit at Cold Blow Lane taking his League tally past 100 goals and looked set to move to West Brom but again a late twist saw former Baggies favourite John Kay snaffle Alf from under their noses and take him to Hull City. After two seasons Jack Charlton signed Alf for Middlesbrough and he then finished his League career at Walsall.
With true entertainer timing Alf saved the best until last his final appearance was for Stafford Rangers at Wembley and the final two goals of his career won the F. A. Trophy for Rangers who beat Kettering Town 2-0 in 1979.
Having retired Alf set up a promotions business which is still thriving under his daughter's guidance and became a shark on the golf course. Sadly due to the vagaries of a football related illness he no longer plays golf but tends his impeccable garden with ultimate care and receives similar loving support from his family in Streetley.