THE future of Mathew Wood as a Witton player is unclear, with manager Brian Pritchard saying the full back’s absence from Albion’s side so far is not proof his spell with the club is over.
He has though trained only with Premier Division rivals Rushall Olympic, appearing in the Pics’ friendly 2-1 success against an experimental Walsall side last week.
“Nobody knows what’s happening with him,” said Pritchard.
“What I can say is that Mat Wood has not told us he has left the club, nor have we closed the door on him.
“We’ve made him the best offer we can, which might not be the best deal he can get.
“I know he feels frustrated that his form in the past couple of seasons hasn’t led to a move to a higher level, despite twice being named in the league’s team of the season.
“With that in mind, he told us he preferred to start pre-season with another club.”
Midlands-based Wood, 24, has made more than 150 appearances in Witton’s colours since arriving at Wincham Park in the summer of 2010.
He was a key player in Albion’s play-offs success that led to the club returning to the Northern Premier League’s top flight the season before last, going on to feature in all but three league matches last term.
Pritchard added: “Mat has given me his reasons why he’s done what he has, with the amount of travelling he does at the top of the list.
“In the meantime, I’ll continue to make plans for Witton Albion, and I’ve been pleased with the individuals who have played in that position in the friendlies so far.”
He refers to Josh Glover, who filled in at left back when Wood was absent last term, and trialists Ben Richardson – formerly of Mossley – and ex-Hyde man Ryan Hibbert.
They, along with wide men Matthew Purcell and Stuart Wellstead plus striker Neville Thompson, are likely to have another chance to impress against visitors Macclesfield Town tonight, Thursday.
New recruit Nicky Platt, back from Russia where he helped Great Britain’s men’s football team to a silver medal at the World University Games, will feature for the first time against the Silkmen too.
Witton scored their first goals of the summer in a 3-1 success at Kidsgrove Athletic on Tuesday, where Kyle Wilson – twice – and Wellstead were on target.
Pritchard added: “It was a much better performance than last week [in defeats against Barnton and Blackpool].
“There was a natural step up in terms of how we coped physically, which is a result of the fitness work the players have done in the past fortnight. Kyle took his goals well, so there was plenty to be positive about.”
Macclesfield, from the Football Conference’s national division, lost 3-0 at home to Rochdale while Witton were at Kidsgrove.
That followed a 4-1 reverse at Oldham on Saturday.
Kick off tonight is 7.30pm, with admission set at £6 for adults. Concessions pay £4, and under 15s watch for free.
I reckon he’s left because nobody ever spells his name correctly… 
He’s just a decent football player who thinks hes better than he is, we’ve had em before and we’ll have em again.
UTA - VFIOS
I for one will be sorry to lose Matty, I had a go at him on here when he first came to the club for not giving it is all but I have never had to say anything like it since. A fine player and one we should do all we can to keep. Matty, stay at Witton, the grass is NOT greener elsewhere, it only seems like it.
WHS.
Its a puzzle to me why Matty has not jumped a few divisions, and started to play in the Conference or higher. He is a top class attacking full back, very much in the same mould as Leighton Baines.
However, Witton is a family club, and Matt would go a long way to find a warmer club at our level.
I can understand him playing for Rushall Olympic, as they are so much closer to home for him, but will he have the same satisfaction and support from their fan base?
At our level, its not about money and travelling costs. Its all about feeling wanted!.
[size=5][color=#ff0000]MATTY WE WANT YOU!!! [/color][/size]bowdown bowdown bowdown
i recall an interview matty did in the guardian not too long ago in which he said he loved the club, well where has that love gone now. it can’t because us fans don’t love him, because we do. so please matty come back to where youbelong.
To be fair to Matty, he has spent 3 years travelling some distance for matches and (sometimes) training, so i can understand his decision if it is the travelling that is his main consideration.
I heard a rumour Rushall have a bit of cash to spend this season, so perhaps they are building a good side.
Also, every player wants to lift silverware, and they just won programme of the year, so i expect that will turn a few players heads. :huh:
What i would say to Matty is from that excellent side that Jim Vince built, how many players actually went on do to well outside of the system at Witton that was designed to help them flourish. For every Alex Brown there is an Adam Warlow, a Rob Lloyd, or a Cavell Coo.
It all comes down to whether a player is enjoying his football or not. And only Matty can answer that one.
Agree that Matty is a top class attacking full back. I think that the reason that he hasn’t played at a higher level is that sometimes his defensive qualities aren’t as good for playing at a higher standard!
STAY MATYY!!
WHS. :clap
(You said we all spell his name wrong!)) :red :red
Mat Wood has now confirmed he has left us presumably to join Rushall Olympic
In other news Nev Thompson has signed.
I for one am sorry that Matt has left Witton. The best attacking full back in the league barr none in my opinion, a nice lad and a charactor. I understand that travelling has been an issue for him so I wish him well in his new club, where ever that may be? Matt could easily play at a higher level so one day we may see him on the telly? SBL
What position does Nev play?
GOOD LUCK Matty, Witton will miss your attacking forays and the team will be worse without you - in the attacking sense, Glover however deserves his chance now to establish himself, Thomson is a striker has played in the last 3-4 friendlies big lad up top, my underlying concern is a lack of pace up front without tuck ! none of the 3 used in preseason so far have much pace and it has shown up in the friendlies hence I guess mikes comments in the guardian although he may have meant others ( midfield ) as well !
Good luck Matty, a big loss in my opinion his and Gards overlapping runs have been a big part of how we play. Also leaves us a little short at the back if Joseph can’t play every week.
Good luck Matty but my gut feeling is you will be back when you realise what you have left behind, the affection of a very friendly club.
WHS.
Same here good luck Matty, We will miss your attacking flair for sure and without doubt your pace Rushalls gain is our loss ?
Matty has now confirmed on facebook that he has signed for Rushall Olympic.
By Christmas he will realise his mistake, those who leave Witton usually regret it quite quickly.
WHS.
That must be worth a thread of it’s own.
Who are these players?
Where did they go to?
What regrets did they have?