Cauley-Woodrow-Player

#PLStories- Cauley Woodrow felt he played his part in Luton’s promotion to the Premier League despite injury-hit season #LUTONTOWNFC

By Kanak Chauhan July 2, 2023

The 28-year-old was one of the Hatters’ big signings of the summer, as a proven Championship goalscorer while at Barnsley, he returned to the place it all started, to add much-needed striking competition alongside Elijah Adebayo and record addition Carlton Morris.Under Nathan Jones, Woodrow only started two league games, used primarily off the bench, more often than not in a deeper role as well, before a calf injury kept him out for two months.Hatters forward Cauley Woodrow applauds the Town supportersOnce Jones departed, he then scored a stoppage time winner for new boss Rob Edwards during his first home game in charge, a wonderful effort against Norwich City to seal the 2-1 victory.However, the attacker still struggled to break the partnership of Adebayo and Morris, making just three more starts in the second half of the campaign, although did score in the FA Cup success at Wigan Athletic.Woodrow did begin back-to-back matches, netting in the 2-0 success at Rotherham, as he was starting to impose himself when another injury struck in the 1-1 draw with Reading.That ruled him out of the play-offs and Wembley win over Coventry City as well, but he has still done enough to earn a new contract under Edwards, as Woodrow himself felt he had a role in Town's promotion to the top flight, after his 32 outings in total.Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “It was an unbelievable season."When I signed in the summer and spoke to Gary Sweet and everyone at the club, promotion was the goal.“So to achieve it in your first season was amazing, and for everyone collectively it was an unbelievable achievement and something that everyone at the football club should be really proud of.“A lot of fans might say that I didn’t play as much as I’d have wanted to, but I had two injuries which came at bad times for me."I like to think that over the course of the season though, like everyone had their part to play, at times I had mine too.“I was involved in over 30 games and the club has put their faith in me by offering me a new contract, which I’m absolutely delighted about.”Reflecting on the goal against Norwich, he continued: “For everyone at the football club, especially the fans at the Kenny, beating a big club like Norwich on Boxing Day was a big moment with it being Rob, Trolls (Paul Trollope) and Richie's (Kyle) first home game."I think the celebrations that day – everyone together – was probably a moment that pushed us on."From then on we just went from strength to strength."The lads were on fire, everything clicked into place.”Meanwhile, like the rest of the squad, Woodrow now can’t wait to get going for Luton’s first season in the top flight for over 30 years, as he added: “Working with the manager and the new members of staff since they came in, even though I haven’t played as much as I’d like to, I’ve absolutely loved every minute of coming in and being a part of it and I can't wait to get going again on Thursday.“I know I’ve only been back here a year, but it is home for me."I live 20 minutes away, my family are close to me, I absolutely love the football club and the people in it."I couldn’t be happier to be back playing for Luton Town.”

Daily News

#PLStories- Rob Edwards credits Cauley Woodrow for kickstarting his reign as Luton boss following Canaries winner #LUTONTOWNFC

By Kanak Chauhan July 2, 2023

Luton boss Rob Edwards credited striker Cauley Woodrow with getting his reign in charge of the Hatters ‘going' after the forward penned a new contract at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.The 28-year-old hadn’t featured in the new manager’s first game in charge, a 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough in December, but was introduced from the bench on Boxing Day in the home fixture against Norwich City with four minutes remaining, the Hatters drawing 1-1 but down to 10 men following Gabe Osho’s red card.In a flash, the ex-Town youngster had given the hosts a maiden three points of Edwards’ tenure, and a first home win for over two months, taking Jordan Clark’s pass in his stride and cracking a terrific effort into the top corner.Cauley Woodrow celebrates his winner against Norwich City on Boxing DayIt was the start of a run of three victories in a row for Luton and began a run of consistently impressive form which saw Town eventually reach the Premier League for the first time in their history via the play-offs.Although his role was limited, starting just three more league games and scoring once more in the Championship, that against Rotherham United, injury forcing him out of the final stages of the campaign, on Woodrow’s impact, Edwards said: “Cauley has had a frustrating time since we came in."When we arrived he was just coming back from injury and worked extremely hard to get himself fit.“He may not have been starting matches, but he was coming on a lot as the first sub to be introduced and was always very important, whether we were winning or losing games.“Looking back, Cauley arguably scored the most important goal after we came in, which was against Norwich at home on Boxing Day."Down to ten men, we went for it and put him on and thankfully he did what we know he can do.“He scored a brilliant goal and I think that really got the whole thing going for us."A home win, the first for a while – it got a lot of belief going and helped create a connection between us and the supporters."It really helped us, so Cauley played a huge part in us building momentum.“He still chipped in with goals, but it was his all-round play, his work-rate, which again we know that we need, that’s what we are about.“I thought he was excellent when he started against Rotherham and Reading, but unfortunately he hurt himself again, and although he tried really hard to come back for the play-off semi-final, he then broke down again which ruled him out for the final."Woodrow will now be looking to add to his six top flight outings managed when at Fulham, whom he joined from Luton as a teenager, plus his tally of one Premier League goal, that when scoring against Crystal Palace in May 2014.Edwards added: “He’s a local lad and he’s had a little bit of Premier League experience in the past with Fulham, so he’ll be desperate to try and get some more."He’ll be someone who will be very hungry now to come back, try and impress and show what he’s about.“He’s a brilliant human being as well."I love seeing him around the place, always smiling, always gives everything, so I’m really pleased that he’s agreed to extend his contract with us.”