Ex Millwall and Birmingham City 'top midfielder' made free agent after Championship release

Former Millwall and Birmingham City midfielder Ryan Woods has been made a free agent this summer after his contract was terminated by mutual consent at Championship side Hull City.

The 30-year-old had become somewhat of a forgotten figure in East Yorkshire having been sent out on loan twice last term, to League One outfits Bristol Rovers and Exeter City. Woods' deal at the MKM Stadium was not set to expire until next year.

The player arrived at Hull City from Birmingham City in 2022 but only made 27 appearances for the club, falling out of favour under former head coach Liam Rosenior. He made 26 League One appearances last season in the stints at Bristol Rovers and Exeter City.

Millwall supporters will remember the midfielder from two loan spells with the club while at Stoke City. Woods first joined on loan in January 2020 on a short term deal before returning for the 2020/21 season.

The player was a regular under Gary Rowett, racking up a total of 64 appearances during his time at The Den. When signing Woods ahead of the 20/21 campaign, Rowett labelled the player 'a top midfielder in his position and very flexible'.

Woods' next move remains to be seen, but he had spoken about his happiness at Exeter City last term, labelling the Devon outfit a 'fantastic football club with a real feel-good factor'.

The midfielder is a product of the Shrewsbury Town academy and has made the most appearances in his career for Brentford, being named Players' Player of the Year in 2017 and Supporters' Player of the Year in 2018.

A Hull City statement on Monday read: "Hull City and Ryan Woods have mutually agreed to terminate the player’s contract. The 30-year-old played 27 times for the Tigers after signing from Birmingham City in August 2022.

"The experienced midfielder spent last season on loan in League One with Bristol Rovers and Exeter City, making 16 and 14 appearances respectively. We would like to thank Ryan for his efforts during his time for the club and wish him well for the future."