Andy's "Proud As Punch" For Terrific Tim

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman described himself as "proud as punch" after Magpies stopper Tim Krul performed penalty shootout heroics to book Holland's place in the World Cup semi-finals.

In a tactical switch, Krul stepped off the substitutes' bench with just seconds of extra-time remaining against Costa Rica on Saturday night, saving two penalties in the process as Netherlands moved into the final four of the tournament.

His club mentor Woodman, watching on television from Tyneside ahead of United's return to pre-season training, was as surprised as anyone to see the 26-year-old get called into action.

However, what followed wasn't a shock to the man who has trained Krul day in, day out for nearly four years.

"It was fantastic. I think everyone was as amazed as I was when they saw him warming up," Woodman told nufcTV in this exclusive interview.

"It could have gone horribly wrong but it panned out brilliantly and I'm delighted for Tim because he has been patient throughout

"I've spoken to him regularly, he's been training very hard and trying to keep the pressure on the number one goalie.

"Tim said they had been practicing penalties. He's not the sort of person to brag but he said he had been unbelievable against penalties in training.

"It just goes to show that when you are training and your manager is watching you, you can still have a big say in whether you get in the team or not. I'm delighted for him.

"I'm proud as punch, as people will know. He's put a lot of work in, had a couple of set-backs with some nasty injuries, but he has really grafted hard and no-one should take any credit, other than Tim Krul."

To watch the full nufcTV interview with Andy Woodman, click here.