Few have comanded 'legend' status at Spurs as quickly as Woodgate. But not many have scored a cup-winning goal in their fifth game
The winning goal that Woodgate scored in Tottenham’s 2-1 Carling Cup win over Chelsea in 2008 – less than a month after joining Tottenham from Middlesbrough for £8m – was indicative of a career characterised by highs and lows.
A promising start with Leeds was derailed after a fracas on a night out that led to a conviction for affray.
Having resurrected his image and career at Newcastle United, he joined Real Madrid for £15m in 2004, only to be blighted by injury during his time at the Bernabeu, leading Spanish newspaper Marca to proclaim his signing as the worst in the history of Spanish football.
His physical and mental recuperation began at Middlesbrough and continues at Spurs, where his mature assurance at the back has proved vital time and again.