Free agent returns to the EFL after ending City stay by mutual consent

A RELEASED York City midfielder has re-united with his former boss Danny Cowley for the fourth occasion, returning to the Football League.

Alex Woodyard, who mutually agreed to cancel his contract with York on Tuesday morning, has joined Colchester United on a one-year contract.

The former City midfielder has made the step back into the EFL despite being transfer listed by York manager Adam Hinshelwood in March, linking back up with Cowley, who he has played under at Concord Rangers, Braintree Town and Lincoln City.

Woodyard managed 35 appearances in all competitions for the Minstermen last campaign, but was not involved in any of City’s remaining seven matches of their Vanarama National League season, with his last outing coming in the dreary 6-1 defeat to Altrincham.

He had become a regular under former boss Neal Ardley after being initially signed by Mikey Morton, before being deemed surplus to requirements by Hinshelwood.

The 31-year-old never registered a goal in his time with the Minstermen, but did receive a red card in a 1-1 draw with Maidenhead United. He will be most remembered for his incredible goal line clearance in a crucial 1-0 triumph over Southend United in February.

Woodyard is no stranger to the EFL, having previously played with the likes of Peterborough United, AFC Wimbledon and Tranmere Rovers.

His career prior to that began at Southend United, making eight senior appearances for the Shrimpers, before undergoing non-league spells with Farnborough, Concord and Braintree.

He would follow his Braintree boss Cowley to Lincoln, going on to win promotion into the EFL from the Vanarama National League, as well as a memorable cup run that included matches against Burnley and Arsenal.