BRYAN Douglas has paid a glowing tribute to fellow Blackburn Rovers great Matt Woods after he passed away.

Mr Woods, who died on Friday aged 82, made 307 appearances for Rovers, scoring three times, between 1956 and 1963 after making a £6,000 move from Everton, his first professional club.

It proved to be one of the most astute purchases in the history of the club.

Mr Woods, who was born in Skelmersdale, made his debut for Rovers in a 1-0 home win over Middlesbrough in November 1956.

He went on to establish himself as a key figure in the club’s defence over the next seven years.

As a member of Rovers’ famous half-back line, which also included Mick McGrath and the late, great Ronnie Clayton, Mr Woods was an ever present in the memorable 1957-58 campaign which ended with Johnny Carey’s side winning promotion back to Division One.

He also played for Rovers, alongside Mr Douglas and current Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan, in the 1960 FA Cup final defeat to Wolves at Wembley.

Mr Woods has been described as the greatest defender never to earn international recognition with England.

Mr Douglas, 80, who appeared in the 1958 and 1962 World Cups for England, said: “We signed him from Everton and he fitted in like a glove.

“He was a big, strong, two-footed centre half and he became a very important part of the team.

“When it came to England, he was unfortunate as first of all we had Billy Wright and then we players from Tottenham who were more in the picture because of the London press.

“But I’ll put it this way, if he had played for his country, he certainly wouldn’t have let us down. He was a very, very good player.”

Mr Woods left Rovers to join Australian club Hakoah in 1963.

But he returned to the UK two years later and went on to play for Luton Town, Stockport County and Irish club Drumcondra.

After retiring Mr Woods moved into management with Altrincham and then Stockport before he turned his back on football to start up his own haulage company.

Mr Douglas remained in contact with Mr Woods, who had been back to Ewood Park in recent years to watch Rovers in action, until his passing.

Mr Douglas said: “In those days we were all mates. If there was function going on we all used to go – without exception.

“We became very good friends off the field as well as on it – as did our families. It was like that then.

“What I’m trying to emphasise is that we didn’t live as they do now in the middle of Manchester or in Wilmslow. We played for Blackburn and we lived in the town and locally.

“So we socialised together, became good friends, and that has not left us and will not leave us until we depart this world.”

A Rovers spokesperson said: “The club would like to offer its condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.”