FROM discovering Sergio Aguero, to drinking wine with Sir Alex Ferguson, Cleator Moor-born Charlie Woods has had the career of a lifetime. 

Best friends with Sir Bobby Robson and working as an international scout, Charlie travelled the word rubbing shoulders with some of the greatest footballers of all-time.

Up until he was 16, Charlie lived in Harras Moor, Whitehaven, and went on to play for Newcastle United, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and finally Watford scoring 46 goals and making over 270 appearances. 

Following a playing career, he went into coaching and scouting which led him to staff role with England as they reached the semi-finals of the Italia 90 World Cup. Charlie was responsible for bringing the likes of Alan Brazil, George Burley, Terry Butcher and “world class” Carlisle-born Kevin Beattie into the game as well as being the man to bring Laurent Robert and Charles N’Zogbia from France to the north-east of England. 

Among many memorable moments, Charlie saw a now-Manchester City marksman Sergio Aguero make his debut. “I was just scouting for an agent at the time, looking for players he could represent across South America,” he explained. 

“I came across Sergio coming on for his first game for an Argentinian team called Independiente. He was only 15 at the time but it was obvious he was a special player. I left the country with a long list but he was top of it. Lots of people tried to come in for him but being so young he wanted to stay out there until eventually Atletico Madrid came in for him of course and he moved there.” 

He also shared a glass of wine with Sir Alex Ferguson in a football career that spanned over 50 years. “I was also lucky enough to call Sir Alex a friend and still speak to him now and again. I met him several times in my career and shared a glass of wine with him in his after-match office. He and Bobby [Robson] were special and great men.”

This highlight-ridden career had to start somewhere and Charlie explains how it all began - although he admits none of it would have been possible if it wasn't for missing a bus one cold winter's night. 

“It all started playing for Cleator Moor,” recalls Charlie, now 74. 

“They were a well thought of side back then and even though I was only 16 they must have thought I had something because I was already paying for the men’s side. After training one night I missed the bus home and because it was pouring with rain I took shelter inside a pub. 

"The guy behind the bar was Ted Smith, manager of Workington Reds at the time, who said to me “Young Woods you shouldn’t be in here! I’ve heard you’re quite a player how would you like to have a trial for Newcastle United?” and that’s how it started, if I hadn’t missed my bus I may never have become a professional footballer.”

Just months later a 17-year-old Charlie was signed and found himself up against the likes of Luis Suárez as he faced Catalan giants Barcelona in a pre-season friendly. Stepping off the bench he hit a swirling drive into the top corner from 25 yards and introduced himself to the world of football. Describing the game and St James’ Park that night as “spectacular”, Charlie went on to score seven goals in 26 games for the Magpies.

In a playing career spanning 12 years, Charlie made some special relationships with his fellow players and coaches – none more so than Sir Bobby Robson. 

Robson made Charlie his youth coach at Ipswich, a scout whilst manager of England and also made him chief scout when he was appointed Newcastle manager in 1999. 

“He was an incredibly special man he really was,” said Charlie. “Everyone loved him because he was such a good people person. Everyone wanted to be around him, play well for him and I was proud to say that he was a good friend of mine." 

He added: “When I was travelling all over the world scouting for different teams and he was managing in Holland, Portugal and at Barcelona I would stay with Bobby and his wife Elsie. My wife Patricia and I still see Elsie from time to time and actually had lunch with her only last month.” 

Charlie’s playing career finished in 1972 however. He began as Ipswich’s youth team coach bringing several big names into the game. “We had a wonderful team back then,” Charlie said. “Kevin Beattie was a world-class player, the best I worked with.” 

Charlie now lives just stone's throw from Ipswich’s training ground with his wife Patricia, who he met whilst playing for Newcastle, since 1973. “With my career we didn’t have time to have any children!” he laughs. 

“I’m lucky enough that Ipswich kindly gave me a seat in the director’s box so I’m there most weeks. 

“It’s a very different game now but I was proud to be part of it for a very long time. I still love watching every form of football and I don’t think I’ll ever lose the love of the game.” 

Self-described as a bit of a “tricky winger with a bit of speed” Charlie believes he didn’t quite fulfill his footballing potential. “I definitely think I could have achieved more,” he said. 

“Winning the football league second division with Ipswich was great but I think there was more I could have won but that’s unfortunately just how football goes. My career was a marvellous experience and I was very lucky to be able to play the games I played and meet the people I did.”