Alfred Edward Howson Wood was born in Macclesfield on Thursday, 25th October 1945. A former apprentice at Manchester City, Alf went on to make over five-hundred appearances during a career spanning over seventeen years.
Along with the aforementioned spell with Man City, Alf, who won England youth honors as a defender, also ran out for the Saddlers, Shrewsbury Town, Millwall, Hull City, Middlesbrough and Stafford Rangers.
Despite being recognised as a defender, Alf was moved upfront early in his spell with Shrewsbury and would go on to add his name to the list of the Shrews' most legendary players as he made over two-hundred and fifty appearances, netting sixty-five goals.
Despite being recognised as a defender, Alf was moved upfront early in his spell with Shrewsbury and would go on to add his name to the list of the Shrews' most legendary players as he made over two-hundred and fifty appearances, netting sixty-five goals.
Following spells with Millwall, Hull City and Middlesbrough, Alf joined the Saddlers for a season-long spell in 1977/78 and bagged two goals in twenty-nine league appearances before joining Stafford, where he added himself to club folklore by scoring the final two goals of his career as Rangers defeated Kettering Town in the 1979 FA Trophy Final.
Sadly, Alf was diagnosed with dementia twelve years ago and has been living in a specialist care facility for the last seven years. Alf's wife and family have campaigned and fundraised tirelessly on behalf of Dementia UK since his diagnosis.
Alf is survived by his wife Joan, two daughters, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His daughters Karen and Samantha told ShrewsburyTown.com; "We were and remain hugely proud of our wonderful dad.
"Whilst many will remember him for his successful footballing career when we think of him we will recall his huge love for his wife and family, and his great passion for life, which remained undimmed by his long battle with dementia. We are grateful for every moment we had with him."
Donations in Alf's memory can be made to The National Brain Appeal via this link; https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alf-wood.
The National Brain Appeal raises funds to advance treatment and research at The National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery and the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology – funding pioneering research, providing access to the best technology for expert diagnosis and treatment, and training tomorrow’s clinicians to support the 1 in 6 of us with a neurological condition.
Sadly, Alf was diagnosed with dementia twelve years ago and has been living in a specialist care facility for the last seven years. Alf's wife and family have campaigned and fundraised tirelessly on behalf of Dementia UK since his diagnosis.
Alf is survived by his wife Joan, two daughters, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His daughters Karen and Samantha told ShrewsburyTown.com; "We were and remain hugely proud of our wonderful dad.
"Whilst many will remember him for his successful footballing career when we think of him we will recall his huge love for his wife and family, and his great passion for life, which remained undimmed by his long battle with dementia. We are grateful for every moment we had with him."
Donations in Alf's memory can be made to The National Brain Appeal via this link; https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alf-wood.
The National Brain Appeal raises funds to advance treatment and research at The National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery and the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology – funding pioneering research, providing access to the best technology for expert diagnosis and treatment, and training tomorrow’s clinicians to support the 1 in 6 of us with a neurological condition.
We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Alf's family, friends and fans during this devastating time.