I HAVE always found football to be a nasty little business with more than its fair share of nasty little people.

From chairmen with an apparent contempt for the press and public to managers who behave like spoilt brats because they’ve got some power, to arrogant players who seem to think they’re something special because they can kick a ball better than the average Joe.

There’s a lot to dislike about football, the people inside it and what goes on inside football clubs, but the story of Andy Woodward’s living hell takes it to a new despicable level.

The former Bury footballer this week spoke publicly about being abused by convicted paedophile Barry Bennell, his coach when he was a junior player at Crewe Alexandra.

Woodward later joined Bury where he had the best years of his career, playing 115 games over five years and winning two promotions and a title.

I covered his career throughout those years and I can honestly say he was one of, if not the, most pleasant people I ever came across in my 10 years following the Shakers all over the country.

Don’t get me wrong, there are nice people in football, and I came across my fair share in the likes of David Lee, Chris Lucketti and others.

Woodward was certainly in that group – a group I used to refer to as “my team” due to the fact I could approach them any time for a story or quotes.

And he was a pleasure to speak to, so much so I would have a chat with him after games anyway, even if I’d already done my quota of interviews.

He seemed pleased to be interviewed, a rare thing for a journalist who was more accustomed to players regarding being asked for their views as an inconvenience.

Woodward was always smiling, approachable and apparently happy.

To say I was shocked this week when reading his account of how he serially suffered at the hands of Bennell years earlier is an understatement.

Woodward was a good footballer but what he has done this week surpasses anything he or anyone ever did on a football field.

By speaking about the abuse he suffered he has opened the door for others to come forward, and they have.

It must have taken enormous courage but by doing so he has helped others to hopefully ease their suffering.

Footballers are often flippantly referred to as heroes in headlines for their exploits on the pitch.

But, let’s be honest, kicking a ball into a net doesn’t make you a hero, it makes you a footballer who has done his job.

What is a far greater act of bravery is what Woodward has done away from the football field this week.

I contacted him to offer my support this week, 20 years after we last spoke. And I was left once again feeling he’s one of football’s good guys. And a hero.