Woodley set for shock return

The 19-year-old attacking player, pictured, recently spent a month on loan at The Pilot Field from former club Brighton & Hove Albion before a petulant outburst in a friendly led to his departure at the end of November.

Speaking this lunchtime (Thursday), United player-manager Sean Ray said: “We’re hoping we’re going to get him signed on by 5 o’clock tonight. It’s 90 per cent certain it’s a done deal.”

Woodley, who was handed a professional contract at Brighton ahead of the current campaign, made seven appearances for United and impressed at times with his undoubted ability, but there were question marks over his discipline.

“To be fair we never kicked him out anyway, he left of his own accord,” added Ray. “The boy’s got ability and everyone deserves a second chance, and I’m more than willing to give him it. It’s up to him now.”

While Woodley looks like returning to the club, midfielders Ryan Thomson and Arron Hopkinson were released today. See tomorrow’s Hastings Observer for the full article.