As Cambridge City Football Club moves towards a new era, it’s important to reflect our illustrious past.  We recently announced the Alan Woods of AJW Distribution became the latest club sponsor, the AJW name proudly emblazoned on the back of our match day tracksuit, but this isn’t the start of the story.  Alans Father, is a former City player, and few will shine as brightly in the annals of history as Jackie Woods, a prolific goal scorer whose contributions between 1946 and 1949 helped shape one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.

Jackie made his debut for Cambridge Town (as the club was known before adopting the ‘City’ name in 1951) on April 13, 1946, in a match against Letchworth Town. The young winger immediately announced his arrival by scoring in a 2-0 victory, the first of many crucial goals that would define his career.

Over the next three seasons, Woods became an indispensable part of a Cambridge Town side that dominated the local football scene. His consistency and knack for finding the back of the net saw him miss barely a game, racking up an extraordinary 106 goals in just 140 appearances. This remarkable tally places him among the elite in the club’s history, being one of only 17 players to have scored more than 100 goals for the club.

Jackie’s’ tenure coincided with a golden period for the club. Cambridge Town clinched the Spartan League titles in 1948 and 1949, showcasing their dominance over their competitors. Their success wasn’t confined to league play; they also lifted the AFA Senior Cup in 1947, 1948 (shared honours), and 1949, along with the East Anglian Cup in 1948.

One of the highlights of Jackie’s career was the club’s historic run in the FA Cup. In 1946, Cambridge Town reached the first-round proper of the FA Cup for the first time, a milestone they repeated in 1948. Jackie was instrumental in these campaigns, demonstrating his characteristic determination and clinical finishing.

Jackie Woods’ final appearance for Cambridge Town came on August 27, 1949, marking the end of an era for both the player and the club. His legacy, however, endures, with his goal-scoring feats and contributions during one of Cambridge Town’s most successful periods firmly cementing his place in the club’s history.

As Cambridge City continues to build on its proud heritage, the memories of players like Jackie Woods serve as a reminder of the passion, skill, and dedication that have shaped the club’s identity.

Speaking to Alan, he told us;

“I have always had an affinity for Cambridge City, as my dad played for the club from 1946 to 1949. Like his son, grandson, and great-grandson, he was a prolific goal scorer. 

I am so impressed by the new stadium and cannot wait for the City to start playing there hopefully in the near future.

Having met the staff and players at training last week, I must say how they made us so welcome, and I am confident once all the new players gel, City will have a team to be proud of and  I look forward in anticipation of a much better season”

Alan Woods – AJW Distribution

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Article featured on the Cambridge City website  

Written by Sean Coxon