'Heartbeat' enters hall of fame

Sheffield's Steve Woolley has joined the ranks of the club’s legends after making his 200th appearance.

The left-back, pictured, reached the milestone at the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South club in Tuesday night's 5-3 Doodson Sport Cup victory at Brigg with manager Ian Whitehorne later hailing him as the 'heartbeat' of his team.

Woolley, 27, joins a select group of former Sheffield stars - Mickey Stewart, Roy Bagworth, Craig Worsfold, Gavin Smith and Geoff Robinson plus current team-mate Matt Roney. All have reached the landmark at the world's oldest club.

'Wools' made his debut in a 5-2 win at Gresley on the opening day of the 2008-09 season and quickly become a regular fixture on the left wing. Since scoring his first goal in an FA Trophy win at home to Bamber Bridge a couple of months later, he's notched up 39 goals for the Dronfield outfit.

In December 2011, Woolley celebrated his 100th appearance following his return from a single spell away at Stocksbridge Park Steels with a goal in a 3-1 success at Loughborough. This season, he's already rattled up a season best return of ten to head the scoring charts.

He's also collected 27 man-of-the-match awards so far during his time at Sheffield and manager Whitehorne paid tribute to Woolley’s contribution and achievements following his landmark appearance.

He said: "I'd like to congratulate Steve on reaching 200 appearances for the club. This a great milestone in an era where most players will flit from club to club for a tenner more. He is the heartbeat of our team and I, for one, hope he is here for another 200 games.

"To all those Sheffield football fans that moan and groan about their team's lack of skill and quality, and the fact that it's cost them £25 to watch it, I'd say come to Sheffield and watch this player - you won't go home disappointed!"