Neil Wood

{{Infobox football biography | playername = Neil Wood | image = | fullname = Neil Anthony Wood | dateofbirth = (1983-01-04) 4 January 1983 | cityofbirth = Manchester | countryofbirth = England | height = 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | clubnumber = | position = Midfielder | years1 = 1999–2006 |clubs1 = Manchester United |caps1 = 0 |goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2001–2002 |clubs2 = →Royal Antwerp (loan) |caps2 = 3 |goals2 = 0 | years3 = 2003 |clubs3 = →Peterborough United (loan) |caps3 = 3 |goals3 = 1 | years4 = 2004 |clubs4 = →Burnley (loan) |caps4 = 10 |goals4 = 1 | years5 = 2004–2005 |clubs5 = →Coventry City (loan) |caps5 = 17 |goals5 = 0 | years6 = 2006 |clubs6 = →Blackpool (loan) |caps6 = 3 |goals6 = 0 | years7 = 2006 |clubs7 = Blackpool |caps7 = 4 |goals7 = 0 | years8 = 2006–2007 |clubs8 = Oldham Athletic |caps8 = 5 |goals8 = 0 | years9 = 2008 |clubs9 = Željezničar Sarajevo |caps9 = |goals9 =

Neil Anthony Wood (born 4 January 1983 in Manchester) is an English footballer who is now CEO of contemporary online furniture retail store www.barocca-interiors.co.uk

Manchester United & England

Neil Wood began his career with Manchester United, as captain of the reserve team. Wood started his footballing career with Manchester United F.C at eight years of age, going on to make his debut for England U15's schoolboys in the Victory Shield, scoring two goals and being awarded man of the match on his debut against Wales. Wood continued to represent England at every age group through to the U19's. During his career with United, he was loaned out to Royal Antwerp in Belgium, Peterborough United under the management of Barry Fry (scoring once against Colchester United), and Burnley (scoring once against Norwich City),

Coventry City F.C

In June 2004, Wood left Old Trafford in a transfer to Coventry City F.C under the management of Peter Reid. Wood signed a two year deal and made his home debut shortly after in a 3-1 win against Torquay in the Carling Cup. After manager Reid unexpectedly resigned during Wood's second season at the club, Wood continued to progress under caretaker manager Adrian Heath. Heath was in charge before the club decided to appoint Micky Adams as manager. Weeks after Adams joined the club, Wood found himself out of favour and decided to go on loan to Blackpool. where his talent and technical ability would be appreciated by Simon Grayson.

Blackpool F.C

In January 2006, Wood signed on loan for Blackpool F.C. Initially signing for one month, Wood and the club moved quickly to extend the deal for another four months up until the end of the 2005/06 season. Following a successful stint, the club wished to retain Wood's services for the following season but he had already made the decision to sign for Oldham Athletic F.C to work under the guidance of John Sheriden.

Oldham Athletic F.C

In June 2006 Wood signed a two year deal with Oldam Athletic F.C. In his first season at the club he made a handful appearances and Oldham found themselves narrowly missing out on promotion through the play-offs, eventually coming unstuck against his former club Blackpool F.C. During his second season at the club, Wood found his opportunities limited and made the decision to go on loan once again to Royal Antwerp F.C of Belgium. This time around Wood was working with a familiar face, Warren Joyce who is at present the manager of Manchester United F.C Reserves was in charge. Wood jumped at the chance to work alongside his old coach but unfortunately luck wasn't on his side. Two days into Wood's time at his new club, a rash challenge by an opponent in a training ground game ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, . He was facing a lengthy time on the sidelines and duly returned to Oldham Athletic F.C for surgery and rehabilitation. Under the guidance and treatment of now Manchester City F.C physio Lee Nobes, Wood was back on the training field within five months. Shortly after his return to action, he negotiated to leave Oldham Athletic F.C by mutual consent to help the club reduce its playing staff wage bill. Although continuing to train at the club, Wood decided to seek a new challenge and subsequently joined Bosnian club FK Željezničar.

FK Željezničar

Managed by Simo Krunic, a young manager who learnt his trade as the assistant to then Serbian national team boss Javier Clemente. Wood signed for one season with Bosnian club FK Željezničar, and quickly found himself thrust into an action packed season. Challenging for the league and cup titles, and taking in a Quarter Final victory of fierce rivals F.K Sarajevo along the way, Wood quickly learned how passoinate the supporters were for this famous club of Sarajevo. Ending the season with a top six league finish and unfortunately knocked out of the cup competition at the semi-final stage for which had the huge stake of Europa Cup Competition place for the eventual winners. Wood had to return to England shortly before the end of the season as he required surgery for a double hernia. FK Željezničar did not approve of Wood having the surgery done in Manchester and subsequently held onto the players registration for which he, and FIFA are campaigning for his release which seems to be falling on deaf ears with the club. On his return to England, Wood founded furniture and interior design specialists Barocca Interiors.

Barocca Interiors

Wood is now owner of the hugely successful and popular online furniture retail store www.barocca-interiors.co.uk. As well as exclusive, fashionable furniture which cannot be found on the high street, Barocca-Interiors has an ever impressive interior design and home staging service. Specialising in collections including; French, Italian, Tudor, Victorian, Georgian, Regency, Art Deco and contemporary ranges. Barocca Interiors furniture is handcrafted to order; customers can customise to suit their varying individual needs. With an array of customers throughout the UK and Europe, Wood has ensured Barocca Interiors stays at the forefront of design

External links

• Neil Wood at Soccerbase