Has Andy Woodman played his last game in goal for Colchester United?
Woodman, who has been out of favour and on loan to Third Division Oxford United for two months, today refused to comment.
But although the former Brentford keeper is now back in training at Layer Road there is every chance he could be an Oxford player by Thursday week's transfer deadline.
U's boss Steve Whitton has blocked Oxford's request to extend Woodman's loan to a third month, but is prepared to let him go permanently on a free transfer.
Oxford boss Ian Atkins, the former U's player-manager, said: "I would take Woody without hesitation if the circumstances were right.
"We need an experienced keeper if we are to fight our way out of the Third Division. I see Woody as that man."
Atkins said he was very keen to sign the 30-year-old former Crystal Palace apprentice who had twice performed well for him in Wembley promotion play-off finals during their days together at Northampton Town.
He added: "I know there are other keepers about, but Woody is the right man for me.
"Andy was our fans' player of the month for February and I know he would like to sign permanently. I would like him to come.
"But I already have two good young keepers and to bring Woody in I would have to offload one of them.
"Unfortunately, Colchester are only prepared to let him come if we sign him permanently, but their manager and chairman have already done us proud and I am very grateful for what they have done."
The prospects of Woodman who still has another year of his contract to run forcing his way back into the U's first team could be bleak, especially after yesterday's news that current keeper Simon Brown has signed a new two-year contract.
U's boss Whitton said: "We are prepared to let Andy go for nothing because we paid nothing for him, but Oxford are pushing us to extend his loan period by another month."
Woodman was almost a permanent fixture in the side following his initial arrival on loan from Brentford in November 2000.
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Published Tuesday, March 19, 2002
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