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      Laura Woods opens up on her career highlight, her ‘power woman’ and ‘excruciatingly embarrassing’ live TV moment

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      LAURA WOODS has lifted the lid on the origins of her career in sport and revealed her ‘power woman’.The sports presenter, who recently joined TNT Sports, opened up on her inspirations and gave her take on the current landscape of women’s football in an interview with Karen Millen.

      Laura Woods has enjoyed a glittering broadcasting career so farCredit: Instagram
      Woods lifted the lid on her career inspirationCredit: Getty
      Woods, 36, was first asked where her passion for sports came from.
      In reply, she revealed: “Passion for sport for me started when I was very young.
      “I think it’s just something that my mum threw me and my brothers into all the time to get us to get out of the house.
      “We had so much energy. She [mum] was so busy and she needed to get us to make loads of friends, stay out the house, keep busy and it was just our happy place when we were younger.”

      Woods started off her career in the industry as a runner on Soccer AM.
      And while Woods also did work experience with the Croydon Advertiser, she admitted she fell in love with a “magical thing” with telly when she walked into the Soccer AM studio.
      She has enjoyed a stunning career so far, picking up a number of awards along the way.
      However, Woods admitted the last six to eight months, covering both the men’s and Women’s World Cup have been special for her.
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      Woods holds a particular affinity for the Qatar World Cup final between Argentina and France, a match she describes as the “best game of football I’ve ever seen”.
      She added: “You had Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe and I don’t think you could have scripted a better final.
      “So to be there in person and watch it and work on it was just like at the time that was the pinnacle.”
      That’s not to say the Women’s World Cup was any less significant, with Woods insisting despite England’s heartbreak in the final, the rapid growth of the game over the last two years was great to see.
      But Woods also acknowledges the monumental challenges women’s football still has to overcome, as well as women wanting to work in the sports industry.
      Asked what advice she would give to women or girls looking to forge a career in sport, she said: “I always remember one of the first pieces of ‘advice’ I was ever told was from a producer.
      “He had heard I wanted to be a presenter, and back then there was a real ‘Oh you want to be a presenter’ and I was like ‘Yeah, I do’.
      “And he said: ‘One piece of advice for women is you have a much higher height to fall from, so you have to be better’.
      “And It stuck in my head at the time because I was like ‘Why? That’s really unfair’. But it is unfair, it’s not a level playing field yet.
      “The thing I took from that is, okay I will be better, I’ll work harder and do my research. What it actually did for me was it just made me a very good professional.”
      ‘DO YOUR HOMEWORK’
      She continued: “So I would say to anyone, it’s going to be very difficult because it’s very competitive but you have to back that you’re going to do all your homework and have your own ways of doing things and not try to replicate what someone else is doing because it doesn’t work.
      “And also don’t be disheartened if you’re really bad at it to begin with, because everybody is with presenting. It’s so unnatural and your job is to make the unnatural look natural. And that’s hard.
      “It just takes practice and you will fail and it will be excruciatingly embarrassing especially if it’s on camera. But guess what? You’re never going to do that again.”
      Woods has described the gender disparity in football as “exhausting”, referencing comments made by Fifa president Gianni Infantino saying women “have to pick the right battles” to “convince us, men, what we have to do” in the fight for equality.
      She believes there is more to be done to level the playing field due to rising interest being countered by what Woods’ describes as an “unbelievably narrow-minded attitude” at the top of football.
      Funding is one such example, with the Jamaica national team having to crowd-fund their path into the tournament due to a lack of funding from the Jamaican FA.
      INSPIRING GABBY
      That being said, former talkSPORT presenter Woods has drawn inspiration from BBC Sport host Gabby Logan.
      Woods labelled Logan her “power woman” as both a child and an adult.
      On Logan, she said: “I just watch everything she does and I just think she does it with such class and ease.
      “There is something about Gabby that is very rare I think in lots of presenters In that she has this authority.
      “You wouldn’t mess with her, but you also would go down the pub and have a pint with her and feel really comfortable in her presence.”
      The growth of the women’s game has been immense for all to see, with the World Cup semi-final between England and Australia the biggest-ever TV event for the Aussies.
      Woods believes the level of interest being shown means women’s football is going to explode even more over the next ten years.
      She explained: “I started working on Lionesses games with ITV two years ago, and we did a game at St Mary’s and the gate was 8000.
      “We actually had to close off some of the stands and make sure our camera didn’t face those stands as much as possible.
      “Two years later the Lionesses sold out Wembley and it was for the Finalissima. They played and beat Brazil.
      “It was honestly the most wonderful experience and just comparing the two different events, that’s how you can really gauge growth.
      “Watching them at the World Cup and seeing the level of interest and the fact boys and girls are looking at these sportswomen as superstars and they don’t really care what the gender is.
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      “Leah Williamson said something about that. She said: ‘If you don’t want to get behind it fine, but this is going to explode.’
      “Women’s football in a few years time is going to be everywhere and I’m all for it.”
      Woods slammed the ‘narrow-minded attitude’ at the top of footballCredit: Getty
      Woods said Gabby Logan was an inspiration growing up and nowCredit: Getty More

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      Sky Sports and TNT Sports could be forced to make major historic change to Premier League coverage

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      BROADCASTERS Sky Sports and TNT Sports are hoping to make a series of changes to their in-game coverage of the Premier League.TNT Sports, formerly BT Sport, introduced some unique features ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest last month.
      Broadcasters want to speak to players after they have been substitutedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Fans loved the new features on TNT Sports earlier this seasonCredit: Twitter / @footballontnt
      In one instance, presenter Jules Breach and Ally McCoist spoke to Gunners captain Martin Odegaard at the entrance to the Emirates Stadium.
      Breach also completed a link in the tunnel at half time while the players returned to the pitch.
      The changes proved to be a roaring success among fans, so both TNT Sports and Sky Sports are now keen to implement new features to enhance the in-game experience for fans.
      According to The Daily Mail, in-game interviews and cameras in the dressing rooms could become the norm.
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      Broadcasters want to be able to speak to players just moments after they are substituted during a match.
      The prospect reportedly received a ‘lukewarm response’ when it was relayed to clubs last week.
      International partners have told Premier League executives that they want them to improve access while matches are taking place, which has prompted the proposals for change.
      In a recent off-pitch change, PGMOL chief Howard Webb has started to release VAR audio as a way of explaining why some decisions were made during games.
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      His most recent broadcast was aired last week, when he justified some decisions made during Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United.
      Webb also spoke about about the decision by Simon Hooper to not award a penalty for Andre Onana’s clumsy collision with Sasa Kalajdzic. More

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      How Laura Woods overcame sexist trolls and sad split to become TV’s hottest new star – and Prem footballers’ celeb crush

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      SHE’S the TV presenter famous footballers want to date – and women look up to.With killer looks, an enviable wardrobe and a new Love Island beau on her arm, Laura Woods might just be the sporting world’s answer to Maya Jama.
      Laura Woods’ star is on the riseCredit: The Sun
      Gorgeous Laura has stolen the hearts of Premiership starsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      This week we revealed Laura enjoyed a low-key date with Adam Collard, 27, in a County Durham pub – after splitting from long-term love England rugby player Alex Corbisiero.
      The TNT Sports host – who won praise for her coverage of the Women’s World Cup for ITV –  is being tipped to become a household name with the potential to earn millions.
      One expert reckons stylish Laura, 36, could bag major fashion deals and presenting jobs away from sport as her star rises.
      Brand and culture expert Nick Ede, who runs a PR firm in London, told The Sun: “There are people out there who are stand out stars and Laura is definitely one of them.
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      “Female sports presenters like Gabby Logan and Kirsty Gallacher will always be iconic but Laura is fresh blood and looks like the perfect person to take on the reins.
      “She’s very intelligent and did great coverage of the Women’s World Cup and has shown off her knowledge of different sports.
      “Yet she’s not too pigeon-holed in sport that other presenting roles won’t be offered to her and she could even branch out to fashion and produce her own collections.
      “She’s a British celebrity but her job means she has an international profile and that will really help in her quest to become a big star.”
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      Nick says Laura dating Adam won’t do her profile any harmCredit: �ITV Plc
      Nick described Laura as the ‘perfect package’Credit: Instagram
      Nick added that dating some like Adam Collard – known for his bad boy antics on Love Island and recent dalliance with Lottie Moss on Celebs Go Dating – will “only elevate her status”.
      “It means Laura might find herself propelled onto the front of newspapers as much as the back, which is something new for her, but she can utilise it in a strong way to raise her profile,” he said.
      “She’s clever and gorgeous and really is the perfect package. She could be on her way to earning millions just like Maya Jama.”
      Humble start
      Laura with Jack Grealish after Manchester City won the FA CupCredit: Reuters
      Laura with former England player Jill ScottCredit: Getty
      Laura, who played rugby as a kid, started her career as a humble runner at Sky Sports in 2009 before working her way up to a producer role.
      She kicked off her presenting career with behind-the-scenes interviews on the darts coverage for Sky Sports’ YouTube channel.
      Laura then got a job on the Saturday morning kids’ show Game Changers before joining the Soccer AM online presenting team.
      By 2018 she was a regular pitch-side reporter on Super Sunday before leaving Sky Sports four years later.
      She was also Talksport’s breakfast show host with Ally McCoist from 2020 until June this year.
      She joined TNT Sports as the lead presenter for the UEFA Champions League and boxing coverage.
      But it was Laura’s knowledgeable coverage of the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup that has really propelled her into the limelight. 
      Hurt feelings
      Laura with Ally McCoisCredit: Instagram
      Laura on A League of Their OwnCredit: Instagram
      She had already won over leading sportsmen with her knowledge and good looks.
      Ex Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek admitted she is his celebrity crush live on air, leaving her giggling.
      And in April boxer Anthony Joshua told her she was his “dream date” after he flirted with her during an interview.
      Laura has also bagged two major presenting awards and has won plaudits on social media for her stunning dress sense.
      But her stratospheric rise to fame has not been easy.
      When she first hit our screens Laura faced criticism that she’d only landed on TV because of her looks – something that hurt her feelings.
      She said: “I accept that as presenters we are putting ourselves out there; we’re essentially targets. I’m learning to live with it because that’s part of our job. You’re never going to please everybody.
      “It would hurt me a lot more if I took it all to heart, so I take it with a pinch of salt now as much as I can.”
      Boxer Anthony Joshua told Laura she was his dream dateCredit: YOU TUBE
      But Laura soon proved the haters wrong, proving herself a worthy adversary to the male presenters.
      She said she “wouldn’t get in the door” without her knowledge adding: “If you don’t have a grasp of what’s going on, you’re never going to get to the top.”
      Laura added: “We are all striving for equality but the reaction to a woman on screen or radio is still not equal. A producer once told me that women reporters have higher to fall from.
      “It stuck with me. It’s not just what you say, it’s how you look, the way your voice sounds.
      “I have had it all in tweets and stuff. ‘You are underweight’. ‘You are overweight’. ‘You have too much make-up’. ‘You look tired’.
      “Men have to deal with scrutiny, too. I know. But their knowledge is never attacked in the same way.
      “Women have transitioned into some sports such as cricket incredibly well. But what is it about football that people can’t accept something if it’s coming out of a woman’s mouth?”
      As well as succeeding in a mainly male dominated world, Laura is famous for slapping down sexist Twitter trolls with witty one-liners.
      On Instagram, when one man told her to get ‘back in the kitchen’ she swiftly replied: “Ohh Mick. Nothing screams ‘I have a small penis’ more than this old phrase.”
      Sad split
      Laura in happier times with ex, Alex CorbisieroCredit: Instagram
      She might be in the public eye but Laura is fiercely protective of her private life.
      Laura dated her ex Alex for eight years and was by his side while he battled testicular cancer in 2019, which later spread to his lymph nodes.
      The retired prop, who played for London Irish and Northampton Saints, now hosts The Scrum Down podcast.
      Laura said the split was her decision, and she’s “never regretted it”.
      “We’d lived in each other’s pockets and breaking up with him felt like coming up for air,” she explained.
      She recently told The Sun: “I am single, but I’m also dating. That’s a part of my life that I have learned to keep private.
      “I don’t want to put my whole life out there for everybody to see. I want to keep some things like ‘that person’ more sacred.”
      Laura grew up in the north east before her family moved to Dagenham, London. Her mum Michelle coached rugby, and dad Steve is a former English cricket player.
      A huge Arsenal fan, Laura says that while she’s living the dream in a job she loves, she wishes she could spend more time with her family.
      She said last month: “I’d really love to get healthy. I want to be able to exercise more and take my dog for long walks.
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      “I’m just tired of feeling tired. I want to give my family and friends more of my attention. I really want to prioritise that part of my life more.”
      Tipped to be propelled to superstardom, it may be a while yet before Laura gets that rest…
      Laura headed to Glasto this yearCredit: Instagram/@laurawoodsy
      Laura would like to spend more time with her familyCredit: C1 Media More

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      Premier League to release VAR audio on Sky Sports and TNT Sports after Arsenal and Man Utd controversy

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referees’ chief Howard Webb will give his first VAR explainer broadcast of the season tomorrow.Webb piloted his planned monthly broadcast of key VAR calls, including some errors by Stockley Park, at the end of last season.
      Howard Webb will give his first VAR explainer of the seasonCredit: Getty
      And now the head of PGMOL is making good on his promise to bring more transparency and insight to fans.
      While Prem bosses have yet to announce which of this season’s incidents will be included in the first 26-minute show, to be broadcast on both Sky and TNT Sports tomorrow evening, it is expected to show both correct and incorrect decisions.
      Webb conceded to Wolves boss Gary O’Neill that his side should have been awarded a penalty at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season.
      Liverpool successfully appealed against Alexis Mac Allister’s red card in the win over Bournemouth.
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      It is also accepted that Manchester City’s second goal in the 5-1 win over Fulham on Saturday should have been ruled out for offside against Manuel Akanji.
      Former referee Mike Dean had fumed at the decision on Saturday as he raged “it has to be disallowed”.

      But PGMOL bosses were 100 per cent behind all of the decisions made by Anthony Taylor in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Manchester United, including overturning his initial penalty verdict when Kai Havertz went over in the Arsenal box, despite the complaints by Old Trafford manager Erik ten Hag.
      The decisions of Taylor and VAR Jarred Gillett have been backed by Webb and the PGMOL despite protests from both clubs.
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      Webb will explain the decisions – right and wrong – to former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen, with the clips including the audio communication between the referee and the VAR crew in West London.
      International FA Board rules prevent those discussions from being broadcast “live” – although Webb and PGMOL are lobbying for a change in regulations – but they can be shown after matches are completed. More

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      Peter Crouch jokes ‘I’m getting abuse from the stands!’ after embarrassingly missing open goal live on TNT Sports

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      PETER CROUCH laughed off some “abuse from the stands” after missing a shot in front of open goal.Crouch is one of the Premier League’s best ever strikers having bagged a total of 106 goals and 68 assists in 467 appearances in the English top flight.

      Peter Crouch missed a shot in front of open goal while providing coverage for TNT SportsCredit: Twitter @footballontnt
      Crouch laughed it off by claiming he was receiving “abuse from the stands”Credit: Reuters
      The ex-England international stood out for the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Stoke during his 21-year career.
      However, the 42-year-old couldn’t channel in his old magic while providing coverage with TNT Sports.
      The pundit covered the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Everton at Bramall Lane.
      And it was during full-time when the ex-Burnley star decided to take on a shot in front of open goal just a few metres behind the penalty spot.
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      Crouch targeted the top left corner but instead hit the crossbar, much to his dismay.
      The former centre-forward was on the receiving end of some friendly banter by fellow Prem great Joleon Lescott.
      However, the former Queens Park Rangers hitman instead laughed it off by claiming he got boos from the remaining fans.
      Crouch told TNT Sports: “I wasn’t expecting to be able to do that.
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      “I’m a bit stiff, I had a dads’ match yesterday and a bit of cramp.
      “But it wasn’t bad. Not far off, still got it.
      “I’m getting abuse from the stands! Listen, that wasn’t bad. That wasn’t bad.” More

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      TNT Sports interview compared to Lord of the Rings with viewers in shock at height difference between Hamer and Crouch

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      TNT SPORTS’ coverage of the Premier League has been likened to Lord of the Rings with fans in shock at a hilarious difference in height.People were quick to comment on the immense stature conflict between Peter Crouch and Gustavo Hamer.
      TNT Sports viewers were stunned at the height difference between Gustavo Hamer and Peter CrouchCredit: Twitter @footballontnt

      The pair shared the screen for an interview alongside Joleon Lescott and Lynsey Hipgrave in the pre-match chatter before Sheffield United’s matchup against Everton.
      Crouchy was stood right next to The Blades’ new signing who joined the club from Coventry City this summer.
      Hamer stands at just 5ft 6inches tall which is OVER A FOOT smaller than the former Liverpool and Stoke striker.
      Crouch is a whopping 6ft 7inches tall and it was abundantly clear that he was towering over the Dutchman during their interview.
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      Fans took to social media to react to the crazy height discrepancy.
      One fan said: “Sticking Hamer next to Peter Crouch was a bit unfair.”
      Whilst another added: “Why would you stand the poor lad next to Peter Crouch?!?”
      A third wrote: “Not the best of ideas sticking Gustavo Hamer in between Peter Crouch and Joleon Lescott.”
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      Another fan compared the scene on his television screen to something mythical, simply posting: “Lord of the Rings.”
      And it wasn’t just fans that felt they needed to comment on the situation with Hamer making a joke during his interview too.
      When asked about what Sheffield United fans can expect from him this season, he said: “I hope some more goals from me and hard work – I will always work hard.
      “I’ll try to get the ball at my feet because I’m not the tallest one as you can see right here [pointing at Crouch].”
      Hamer has already settled in well at Bramall Lane after scoring a stunning goal against Nottingham Forest on his debut.
      Hamer is only 5ft 6inches tallCredit: Getty
      Peter Crouch is known for his towering figureCredit: Getty
      Hamer scored a screamer on his Sheffield United debut against Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty More

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      Fans in stitches at 6ft 7in Crouch holding umbrella for 5ft 9in Cole on TNT Sports as he ‘knew it would rain first’

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      FOOTBALL fans have been left in hysterics after seeing Peter Crouch holding an umbrella.Crouch, 42, was seen holding a brolly on TNT Sports as it rained ahead of the Bournemouth vs Tottenham game.
      Peter Crouch held an umbrella above himself and Joe ColeCredit: TNT Sports
      The hilarious height difference left fans in stitchesCredit: TNT Sports
      But as he stood alongside ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole, Crouch’s sheer size made the seemingly mundane task a comedic gag.
      The 6ft 7in colossus towered over 41-year-old Cole, who himself stands at 5ft 9in.
      And fans couldn’t help but have a chuckle at the dynamic as Crouch held an umbrella over them both.
      Taking to Twitter, one fan remarked: “Making Joe Cole and Peter Crouch share an umbrella is jokes 😂”
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      A second commented: “Size difference with Crouch and Joe Cole 🤣🤣.”
      “Nice of Peter Crouch to hold the umbrella for Joe Cole,” said a third.
      A fourth wrote: “@petercrouch is perfect Brolly holder for Little Joe Cole 😂.”
      A fifth typed: “Something utterly hilarious about Peter Crouch and Joe Cole sharing an umbrella.”
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      Crouch is a regular sight for TNT Sport viewersCredit: Rex
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      “Unsure why Peter Crouch has an umbrella when he’s so tall his head should really be above the clouds,” joked a fifth.
      A sixth typed: “Crouch has an umbrella because of course, at his height, he was the first to find out it was raining…..”
      While a seventh added: “When you take your son to his first punditry@petercrouch.”
      Former Liverpool and Tottenham striker Crouch is married to model Abbey Clancy.
      He previously joked that his career “finished” when he accidentally left Abbey locked out of the house as he played Call of Duty. More

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      TNT Sports star Laura Woods heartbreakingly reveals how personal relationships suffered in quest to reach the top

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      LAURA WOODS has had a sensational rise in her broadcasting career. But she has now revealed how personal relationships have suffered as a result.
      Laura Woods is the new face of TNT SportsCredit: Getty
      But Woods has opened up on how her professional pursuits have impacted her personal lifeCredit: Getty

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      Woods recently left talkSPORT after three years to become TNT Sports new lead presenter.
      But back in 2009, Woods worked as a runner at Sky Sports before adding experience with a variety of roles across sport.
      However, while Woods said her workaholic attitude got her to where she wanted professionally, she has acknowledged it has come at the expense of her personal life.
      Speaking to The Telegraph, she said: “I would just make sure I always prioritised work. That took me through telly, through production, and it took me to here.
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      “And then I realised, probably in the last couple of years that, although I’ve got to where I want to in terms of my professional career, I’ve probably done it at the expense of some of my own personal relationships.
      “I feel like I haven’t spent enough time with my friends and my family. I haven’t focused on that side of my life as much as I want.
      “They are completely understanding but you can only miss so many birthdays, parties and weddings. I would love to give it more focus.”
      Woods added: “I look at my nieces and nephews and think, ‘God, they are growing up so quickly and I don’t want to miss it’. One of my nieces is called Margo.
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      “She wants to be a footballer – she’s Arsenal and Lionesses mad. She wears the Arsenal kit every day.
      “I would love to take her to see the girls at Arsenal. I want to take her to some other matches. If I’m working all the time, I can’t do that.
      “I think they [family and friends] should be my priority, and they always do feel like my priority, even if I’ve been working so hard that they’ve had to take a back seat.”
      During her time at talkSPORT, Woods was voted the nation’s broadcaster of the year on two occasions.
      She penned a tearful on-air goodbye to her show alongside Ally McCoist, who Woods had nothing but praise for.
      And she is also delighted he is joining her at TNT Sports, saying: “Ally is the best – and I’m so chuffed that we have been reunited.
      “I wasn’t sure it was going to happen. I tried to stay out of it … he is just one of the most rounded and grounded people I’ve ever met.
      “You have a bit of everything with Ally: the light and shade and this knowledge.
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      “You could start talking about tiddly-winks on the moon and he’d have some sort of story.
      “I don’t know anyone who can be as warm, funny and really bloody good at their job.” More