Following last week’s quartet of retirements, John Woods has dealt Fermanagh manager Pete McGrath another blow by ruling himself out of contention for the forseeable future. Woods has decided to “concentrate on other things bar football.” The 28 year-old suffered a broken jaw last June during Fermanagh’s championship opener against Antrim, in Brewster Park. During his two to three months out of work and football, the Lisnaskea Emmetts man says he had plenty of time to think about his future: “I suppose when I was off work with my jaw it really hit home to me that I needed some steady work in place and need to have a career in line.” At present he divides his time between floor sanding and Media Marketing for Irvine’s Butchers in Maguiresbridge. It is this Media Marketing that he wants to focus upon more. That along with the Sports Massage Therapy course which his is currently doing in Fermanagh South West College.

“When you’re playing football you put everything on hold. I’ve been concentrating on football since I made my debut in 2010 under Malachy O’Rourke.” Having informed Pete McGrath and his team mates of the decision, he says: “Pete has been great. He comes from a teaching background and totally understands that you have to concentrate on your career life too. In saying that though, he doesn’t want to lose me and has left the door open for me to change my mind.” Asked whether the decision is final or a short term fix, Woods says: “It’s definitely not the end of county football. In an ideal world I’d have a great job which would allow me to concentrate on football. When you’re with the county it’s a six day a week commitment. I wouldn’t be willing to go out half hearted; I’d be doing a disservice to everyone.” It wasn’t an easy decision for the attacking corner back though: “The boys have been trying to persuade me back, that’s the hardest thing. You feel like you’re leaving them in the lurch but they do understand and have wished me the best of luck,” concludes Woods.