Football Season Guide

Woking were one of the more impressive sides in the league last season and were right in the play-off picture until the end. They just about missed out in the final couple of weeks after a few poor results and could not cap what has bene an excellent campaign with a place in the top five. It was still a superb effort by Garry Hill’s side as they overachieved on a pretty meagre budget by playing some eye-catching football and never abandoning their principles. This season, however, promises to be a more challenging one for the Surrey club as they need to rebuild the squad after losing some key personnel. Defensive lynchpins, James Clarke and Joe McNerney, are no longer around and will not be easy to replace given their string of excellent showings last year. But the most important departure is that of Josh Payne, the man who made the team tick in midfield. He really was the heartbeat of the Cards and has been pretty much indispensable over the last couple of years. However, he accepted the offer of high-spending Eastleigh and leaves Woking with a big hole to fill in the middle of the park. Moreover, club icon Kevin Betsy finally hung up the boots at the end of last season and he is another one who will be greatly missed. Hill has not been too active in the transfer market in order to fill the problematic areas and the squad still needs a few more bodies. Ismael Yakubu is a solid presence at the back and Brian Saah is a good defender too. But Godfrey Poku is not really the answer in midfield, having struggled for consistency and discipline at relegated AFC Telford last season. Scott Rendell will struggle to replicate the form he showed in front of goal last season and alternatives in attack are needed too. Thus, Woking are heading into a challenging season and should be content with a mid-table finish given the notable departures.