Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
13 YEARS AGO ..WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT
Barren run has gone on far too long says Spurs hero of 2008
JONATHAN WOODGATE says it has been too long since his goal sealed Tottenham’s last trophy more than 13 years ago. Woodgate’s extra-time header clinched a surprise 2-1 victory over favourites Chelsea in the 2008 Carling Cup final (below).
Spurs have won nothing since as they face Manchester City, the defending champions, in Sunday’s Carabao Cup showpiece.
Now manager at
Bournemouth, Woodgate says it is abut time his old club put that right.
But he fears that even ending their trophy drought might not be enough to convince Harry Kane to stay at the club.
“They have to start winning trophies with the stadium they have built and the players they have,” said Woodgate.
“They have the best striker in England in Harry Kane. They need to start winning trophies for him.
“Sooner or later they’re going to win a trophy. Would it be enough for Kane? I’m not sure. They’ll need more investment for him to stay, I’m sure of that.
“He’s been unbelievable again this season. I’d say Spurs need to invest to try to keep Kane at
the club.” Woodgate’s Wembley winner was his first goal for Tottenham and came only four matches after he joined them in an £8million move from Middlesbrough.
But the 41-year-old, who was man of the match that day, still believes it was only possible because Michael Dawson suffered a hamstring injury in the build-up.
He said: “It was down to Michael’s misfortune. I am sure he would have started. It’s the only trophy
I won, so it’s got to be one of my best moments as a player. My son’s got my medal, along with the man-of-the-match trophy in his room.”
His winner came early in extra time when Woodgate reached Jermaine Jenas’ free-kick before Petr Cech.
His header hit the Chelsea keeper, who knocked back off the Spurs star and into the net.
Woodgate said: “I was getting cramp at the time. I pointed to JJ to put it in
the right area and I would go and attack it.
“I didn’t always think Didier Drogba was great at marking from set-plays and he was marking me. I thought if JJ put it in the right area, I would go and attack it. I know Petr Cech punched it onto my head and it went in.
“It was an incredible feeling. I was just trying to run as fast as I could to get in among the Spurs fans to celebrate with them.”
The sacking of Jose Mourinho means Spurs go into the game with Woodgate’s former teammate Ryan Mason in the dug-out as interim boss.
Woodgate added: “I know he’s still a young guy, but he’s been trusted with that job until the end of the season, so he must be good at it. It’s an incredible opportunity for him.”