Phoenix Sport & Media Group Ambassador Brian Wood MC was recently at Derby County Football Club speaking to Academy players on the importance of teamwork and tenacity, and how important it is to understand the club’s values. 

 

Awarded the Military Cross for his gallant, heroic, selfless acts on the frontline to standing trial accused of war crimes, Brian Wood MC has an incredible story to share.

 

Brian’s career started in football. He started off on the Chelsea Football Club schoolboy programme, and was delighted to put his boots back on in the morning and to join in a training session with former player Craig Short. Former Premier League captain Short is now an U23’s coach for DCFC. Brian described Short as a “man-mountain” after contact with his tackle bag!

 

In the afternoon, Brian (or “Woody” as he is more affectionately known to the Phoenix team) presented an inspiring speech to the players. 

 

Brian told his story and how, at the age of 23, he was thrust into the front line in Iraq at the infamous Battle of Danny Boy. Ambushed, he led a charge across open ground with at least 20 insurgents firing at five soldiers. On his return, he was awarded the Military Cross. However, Brian's story had only just begun. Struggling to integrate back into family life, he suffered from PTSD. Then, five years later, a letter arrived summoning him to testify at the Al-Sweady enquiry into allegations of war crimes by British soldiers during the Iraq invasion of 2003.

 

We’ll leave the rest of the story to be told by Brian, but DCFC were walked through his incredible journey and taken to the heart of close quarter battle. Brian also shared his unique methodology - the “Woody Way” - which draws on his life experiences to inspire and educate his audience on the importance of core values of honesty, resilience and optimism. 

 

“The worst experiences in life can teach us the best lessons in life” said Brian. “ As I walked through the DCFC academy doors with Craig Short I instantly saw excellence. The first thing I read was ‘talent alone is not enough’. This is very true and also parallels with the military way of thinking. Meeting the players I instantly got a sense of what the club really means to them and nothing was taken for granted. That was refreshing. Putting my boots on and taking part in a training session was brilliant but my highlight was sharing my story on emotional resilience. Along with the academy director Darren Wassall, we spoke about the importance of values and what they mean. In a military institution you are driven ona daily basis by your values. I believe if you understand values you understand the bigger picture and it will help you achieve your goals / mission. An incredible time spent with DCFC.”

 

Craig Short reported that the talk had been both valuable and memorable for the Academy. He said:

 

“I have come across many inspirational speakers in my career but Brian’s story and presentation was genuinely the best I have seen. Young players can be very hard for some outside speakers to engage with at times but Brian held the room for over an hour with his recollections and amazing story on human endeavour. Brian aligned his speech with our own academy values and principles which made it very relevant and inspiring for our academy players.”

 

In July 2019 it was announced that Brian had been given the green light for a new movie, based on his award winning autobiography, Double- Crossed. Brian is currently continuing his tour, working on a new book and is a key member of the PSM Training team, who are keen to help increase opportunities for government funded apprenticeships for military veterans, corporations and sports teams. 

 

Phoenix Sport & Media Group are incredibly proud to work with Brian. He embodies our own core values of trust, honesty and integrity and is one of the most motivational and inspirational speakers we have encountered. He not only has an incredible story, he is great guy to work with. We are proud to have Brian on the Phoenix team! 

 

For further enquiries please contact alan@psm-group.co.uk