Rob Edwards has hailed the “impact” that Cauley Woodrow has made in recent games, which the manager believes highlights why Luton Town is a “special place” for the forward who came through the club’s academy ranks.
Last Saturday was the 14th anniversary of the 30-year-old making his debut for the Hatters as a 16-year-old in an FA Trophy first-round replay at Welling United. He signed for Premier League Fulham in 2011, but then returned to Kenilworth in 2022.
Edwards said: “It’s a special place for him. It’s 14 years last Saturday when he made his debut for the club. It would mean a lot to him. I think it’s important to stress that as well because these players are football players but, especially the lads that are here, they’re not mercenaries. They care about the football club, and he’s certainly someone who does that.”
That was evident in his celebrations and his contributions for both goals on Friday, when Woodrow came off the bench to help turn what was looking like a 1-0 defeat at home to Derby into a 2-1 last-gasp victory.
It was his 88th minute free-kick that was headed into the path of Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, whose shot deflected off Tom Holmes for Luton’s leveller.
Then, a 92nd minute free-kick caused chaos in County’s penalty area for Carlton Morris to eventually fire in the winner off Curtis Nelson’s hand.
It was only Woodrow’s 11th appearance of this season, as he’s had to bide his time for minutes, but Edwards hailed his output in back-to-back cameos against Blackburn and Derby.
“I’m really pleased with his contribution, when he’s come in the last couple of games, he’s always got a great attitude,” said the Hatters boss.
“He’s brilliant around the place and works incredibly hard. But it’s nice for him to have an impact in the game like that and obviously be involved in us turning the game around so quickly.
“I’m really pleased because he’s a great guy, Caul. I know it’s been difficult for him, game time. He’s someone who is desperate to play, but he can never fault his attitude every single day.
“He’s always there and you need people like that, but (he’s) not happy to not play. He’s desperate to do that, but these last two impacts from the bench have been put him right there in my face, so (that’s) really good.”
Re-signed as a forward in 2022, having left the club 11 years earlier, Woodrow has at times had to fill in as a midfielder, or even out wide.
“He’s got a a good understanding, a good brain and he’s able to show his versatility, but make good decisions at the right moments as well,” said Edwards.
“I’m really pleased with his impact. You’d love to be able to play everyone, but you can’t, you have to make difficult decisions at times. But, you need people as well who can handle it, be mature about it, train really well and just try to do the right things to get in the team.”
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