Everything Woking FC

Exiting Kingfield – Who Has Gone Where and Who Hasn’t

By Jacob Greenwood

There has been a flurry of signings in the last week or so at Kingfield as new Cards boss Anthony Limbrick builds his squad for the coming season. But what has happened to the players that ended last season at Kingfield and who might still be signing for The Cards? We take a look at who has gone where so far –

In the football league

Gozie Ugwu – 21 goals in all competitions was enough to attract relegated Chesterfield to Garry Hill’s player of the season as they look to secure an immediate return to League One. Ugwu signed a two year deal with the club.

Screen Shot 2017-06-18 at 20.45.59 — Ugwu Celebrates vs York City

Terell Thomas – Thomas was released from League One side Charlton at the end of the season and despite Limbrick saying he wanted to build a team around a player like Thomas, he couldn’t secure his services. The exciting youngster instead could be lining up against his old side after he signed for Wigan Athletic, who were relegated from The Championship last season. After signing for Paul Cook’s side, he thanked Cards fans for their support.

Elsewhere in the National League

Keiran Murtagh – Cards fans were hopeful their player of the season would be amongst the players staying at Kingfield. However, he will instead be playing against Woking next season after signing a two-year deal at Boreham Wood. Like Thomas, Murtagh also took to social media to thank the Woking fans.

Delano Sam-Yorke – The dust had barely settled on Woking’s survival when it was announced that Sam-Yorke had signed for Maidstone United. This was no surprise after a successful loan spell at the club last season.

In the leagues below

Chike Kandi – After failing to break into Woking’s team last season, Kandi was released and was quickly snapped up by Isthmian League Premier Division side Leatherhead. The Tanners are without celeb manager Jimmy Bullard after he left the club but look to be ambitious after also signing Jack Midson.

Screen Shot 2017-06-18 at 20.47.24.png — Kandi Smashes Home Against Wrexham

Max Kretzschmar – Despite scoring some big goals for Woking, including the winner vs Dover and the opener against Dagenham & Redbridge on the last day of the season, the 23-year-old was released. He has joined Hampton & Richmond on a one-year deal and will be looking to help them build on last season’s impressive league campaign which saw them make the National League South play-offs.

Screen Shot 2017-06-18 at 20.48.53.png — **Kretzschmar Lobs Aldershot Town’s Jake Cole**

Aaron Smith-Joseph – Academy graduate Smith-Joseph only played once for Garry Hill’s side last season – turning out as a sub vs Walton Casuals. The youngster has signed for Burgess Hill Town and could come up against Kandi as the West Sussex team play in the same league as Leatherhead.

Jamie Lucas – The Bristol Rovers loanee was released at the end of the season and made the short trip to join National League South side Bath City. Lucas scored two league goals for Woking including a penalty during an away draw at Barrow.

Screen Shot 2017-06-18 at 20.56.47.png — Lucas Doubles Woking’s Lead v Maidstone United

Yet to hear from

Brandon Hall – Although Hall spent a lot of last season on the bench, he was not one of the players released and it is expected that Woking are in talks with him to retain his services. He recently spent time at Jamie Vardy’s V9 Academy, aimed at improving non-league talent, and tweeted his excitement at taking part.

Jake Caprice – Although he was in and out of the team last season, Caprice has another impressive season at Kingfield. Caprice is yet to commit to Woking or find a new club. The majority of Cards fans will hope he is part of Limbrick’s new-look squad next season.

All photos by David Homes and can be found at wokingfc.co.uk

Hill Wishes Cards ‘All The Best’ Following Departure

By Jacob Greenwood

Garry Hill has spoken for the first time since leaving his position at Woking last week and told reporters that there is no animosity from himself towards the club.

Hill spent over six years at Kingfield and during that time took The Cards from The National League South to The National League and reflected on recent developments prior to watching Dagenham & Redbridge face Forest Green Rovers. He told The National League’s social media team:

“I’ve had six and half wonderful years there and I wish the club all the best. There is a change going on which I think every club on and off the pitch needs at times. Hopefully it is for the right reasons for the players, supporters and volunteers.

“There is no animosity from myself and I wish them all the best.”

Hill has been replaced by Anthony Limbrick as new investors pursue a fresh start at Kingfield. Limbrick has worked with youth teams at both Southampton and West Ham as well as at an International level for England. Cards fans will get a chance to hear him speak at a fans forum on Wednesday which is being held at Kingfield.

Image by David Holmes. A full set can be found at wokingfc.co.uk

May 8, 2017 0

Word on the Tweet – Cards Trump Silkmen

By Jacob Greenwood

Woking overcame Macclesfield Town on Good Friday thanks to a second half Gozie Ugwu penalty to keep them out of the relegation zone with three games to play.

The visitors arrived at Kingfield with an outside chance of reaching the play-offs but a disciplined defensive display saw The Cards take all three points. Over 2,000 fans attended the game and this is how they, the players and the media reacted on social media:

The match winner Gozie Ugwu was happy with the win, but realises there is still work to do:

Gozie Ugwu‏ @gozie_ugwu9

“Big big win! fans were different class! however it’s not over yet, another big game Monday. We go again! #CARDS”

Terrell Thomas, who had another impressive game at centre back, also thanked the fans and hailed a ‘massive result’:

Terell Thomas @Terellmthomas

“Another fantastic result today, every player put a massive shift in. Superb support from the @wokingfc fans as always. On to Monday”

Jake Caprice was delighted with the win but also has an eye on Monday’s game away at Chester:

Jake Caprice @Jake_Caprice

“What a result gotta follow it up with a another 3pts on Monday … fans were brilliant again”

Here are how a selection of fans saw the win:

Former Radio Woking presenter Declan McCarthy was at the game and described the result as ‘huge’:

Thanks to those who interacted with us via Twitter (@EverythingWFC) during and after the game – drop us a tweet and you could be included in this feature on Monday.

April 15, 2017 0

Word on the Tweet – Cards Draw at Barrow

By Jacob Greenwood

Woking took another step towards safety yesterday by picking up a point at play-off chasing Barrow, but the tone amongst players, management and fans alike was ‘what could have been’ after a late DSY goal was disallowed. Here is how social media reacted –

Centre back Terell Thomas thanked the travelling Cards contingent and reflected on what could have been:

Terell Thomas‏ @Terellmthomas

“Good result on the road to Barrow, but could of taken all 3. Thank you to the @woking fans that made the long journey”

BBC Surrey’s Gary Smith, who covered the game on Saturday, gave his view on the goal that was chalked off and what Garry Hill might have made of it:

Gary Smith‏ @GTSSport

“Gutted for The Cards after what looked like a legible winner! I thought Garry was very reserved when I spoke to him!”

Cards fans Niall Brannigan and ‘Dave M’ were both philosophical after the draw and looked forward to the upcoming fight for survival:

Niall Brannigan‏ @niallb1
“Gutted but, at 3pm, we’d have bitten their hand off for the draw. Go again.”

Dave M 👍‏ @acerbicdoc
“I would have taken a draw today so cant be to downhearted move on to Friday #coyc”

Thanks to those who interacted with us via Twitter (@EverythingWFC) during and after the game – drop us a tweet and you could be included in this feature next week.

April 9, 2017 0

Getting To Know Aldershot Town

By Jacob Greenwood

Woking travel to local rivals Aldershot Town on Boxing Day and will be hoping for a repeat of last season’s success against The Shots.

After recording wins against Gateshead and Bromley, Woking fans would have hoped that Garry Hill’s side would have pushed on. However, Cup and Trophy disappointment followed and with Woking failing to beat Guiseley last time out in the league, Cards fans are again looking at the shrinking gap to the relegation zone (just goal difference is keeping Woking above the line).

If you listen to football folklore then form goes out of the window in derby games. This statement will be music to the ears of both Cards and Shots fans as both sides have been struggling of late. We caught up with Tommy Anderson, Chairman of The Shots Trust, to find out what we can expect on Boxing Day.

It’s been a while since we played each other and since we last met there was quite a big summer for The Shots off the pitch with Gary Waddock returning to the club. Fans must have been delighted to see him return?

There were big changes at Aldershot back in the summer both on the playing side and of course the return of Gary Waddock as manager which was just what the club needed! Season ticket sales rose dramatically following Gary’s return, a good, competitive squad was assembled and our start to the season was extremely encouraging. Our recent form has dipped and cup exits in the FA Cup and FA Trophy at the hands of lower opposition was disappointing, no question about that, however I think we need to be realistic and honest and say if 10th position was offered to us back in June at this present time, we would have had accepted it. From a personal point of view, I am content overall with how the season has panned out. I expect the squad to bounce back from recent disappointments and improve as the season goes on and put pressure on the teams above.

A few other additions included Scott Rendell and Jake Cole from Woking. How have both players settled in at The Rec?

They’ve done ok. Jake Cole in particular has significantly improved us in the goalkeeping position. Earlier on in the season, he made some crucial saves at key times in games to preserve our lead, he offers big assurances to the defenders ahead of him with his talking and direction, a real leader. Scott Rendell for me is slowly getting better and better, the goals haven’t produced what he had done previous, this is down to mostly being played in a deeper position and also people need to realise that this season he came back from a cruciate ligament injury that put him out of action for all of last season, arrived at Aldershot and played lots of games in a short space of time and was clearly shattered! However, Scott has now really worked on his fitness and is looking sharper and sharper and I’m fully confident that the goals will flow in the not so distant future.

It has been an up and down season so far for yourselves with disappointment in the FA Cup and Trophy (similar to Woking!) but a steady mid-table position has been maintained. There have been a few big results in there too. How do you think things are working out and are the play-offs the aim?

Overall, I’m fairly content with how the season has panned out. Major disappointments in exiting both cup competitions early and for clubs like ourselves, there is a lot of financial gain to be had from a decent run in both competitions, however our league campaign has been a vast improvement on recent years, we are playing an entertaining, attacking style of football which we long sought for at the a EBB Stadium! Early doors, we started in superb fashion scoring plenty of goals and putting good sides under the sword! However, like all clubs, we are currently on a disappointing run of results and that needs to be addressed quickly. We now have a perfect chance with the next two fixtures to get our season back on track and to make an almighty push for the play-offs which for me has to always be the target, despite the fact it would be an overachievement on our budget for that to happen this season.

Who will Woking have to watch out for on Boxing Day?

Jake Gallagher – A tenacious, hardworking player who now plays in a further forward role since Gary’s arrival and has an attacking edge about him that not a lot of people would expect him to have. A player that always gives 100% and from speaking to him in the week, he is completely fired up and ready for the festive fixtures!

Idris Kanu – A highly rated youngster who is attracting plenty of interest higher up the football pyramid certainly has the game to create and muster chances and goals out of nothing. With the TV cameras circulating the EBB Stadium on the 26th, Idris will see this as a fine chance to impress and put a statement out to the interested suitors.

Scott Rendell – Scott will be relishing coming up against his former side and will be really chomping at the bit to get his goalscoring boots firing. A natural finisher who certainly has plenty of goals left in the tank and always one for any team to watch out for.

Finally, what is your score prediction?

I’m predicting Aldershot Town to get back to winning ways, after last year’s disappointing matches against Woking. It’s time for us to attempt to get the double crown back! Woking will certainly cause problems and come with a game plan but I’m backing Aldershot to win 3-1!

Photos by David Holmes. For a full set go to wokingfc.co.uk.

December 25, 2016 0

Get To Know Ebbsfleet United

By Jacob Greenwood

Woking travel to Ebbsfleet United on Saturday as their FA Trophy campaign gets underway in what, at least on paper, appears a tricky tie.

The Cards will be looking to get back to winning ways after being dumped out of The FA Cup by Accrington Stanley on Sunday in front of the BBC’s cameras. Garry Hill’s men, without the suspended Charlie Carter, will go from underdogs to favourites against a Fleet side going well in The National League South.

Woking look to bounce back from FA Cup Defeat

The Kent club, who currently sit third in the league, beat Harrow Borough 4-2 to set up the tie with Woking and ex-Card Bradley Bubb will be looking to come back and haunt Garry Hill.

We talked to Fleet fan Joe Glidewell about what has been going on at Stonebridge Road and what Woking can expect on Saturday.

I am yet to speak to a Woking fan who thinks this is a good tie, what has the reaction been around Stonebridge Road?

I think the general consensus is that it’s a winnable tie, albeit a little ‘boring’. Furthermore, I think the majority of our fans see it as a good chance to test ourselves against higher league opposition, as we haven’t had that in cup draws for a while!

Is the Trophy a priority this season or is the focus fully on the league?

For me personally, I believe we have the squad to challenge on both fronts. However, given the gap between us and first place in the league at the moment, I feel we should be focusing solely on the league. That said, winning breeds confidence, so a win here will see us in good spirits going into the busy Christmas period, including two games against local rivals and fellow play-off contenders Dartford.

As with every year since being relegated in 2013, Ebbsfleet are aiming for promotion this season, how is the challenge panning out so far?

At the moment, not very well. We’re ten points from Maidenhead who, at the moment, do not look like slipping up. They also beat us at Stonebridge Road recently 2-3 with a Sean Marks hat-trick, the final goal coming in the last couple of minutes. They’re a good side, so we will have to rely on them perhaps ‘doing an Ebbsfleet’ while we put together a run of wins.

Ebbsfleet are seen as one of the ‘money’ club in the Conf South, why haven’t things worked out in previous seasons?

I think the main reason it hasn’t worked is the lack of experience in the management to go with big expectations amongst the fanbase. Steve Brown came in right at the start and was fixated with Dover, taking a bulk of their squad and talking trash about them in the media. That season was only ever going to end one way for me! After his sacking the following November, Jamie Day came and there was an air of excitement around after what he had achieved with Welling. Unfortunately, he couldn’t handle it and after us finishing outside the play-offs that was it for him.

Daryl McMahon, after impressing in charge of the academy and in a short stint as caretaker boss was given the gig; his first managerial job. Let’s not talk about last season (The Fleet let a large lead drop when top of the table and lost in the play-offs to Maidstone) but fans are split on him. Some want him gone, some believe he is the one to take us up. I think you get where I’m going with this though… what you need to get promotion is an experienced head and a team of grafters. You can’t just put ‘the best’ players together and expect them to do the business.

Woking fans will be familiar with some of your squad, Bradley Bubb, Charlie Sheringham, Aaron McLean and Danny Kedwell amongst the bigger names, but who will they have to watch our for on Saturday?

Bradley Bubb deserves a start. He’s impressed every time he’s come off the bench and knows where the net is. Charlie Sheringham has had a tough time of it with injuries and fans consistently getting on his back. If he’s over his niggle that kept him out of the Oxford City victory last week then Darren McQueen is the man to watch. Quick, hardworking, plays for the team and knows where the goal is. That is, of course, if we play it on the floor to the little guy! Jack Powell is another one. On his day, easily one of the best central midfielders in non-league, but has been slightly inconsistent so far! Then there’s Nathan Ashmore of course. 100% the best goalkeeper in our division and should really be playing higher!

Finally, what is your score prediction?

Not usually one for making predictions but I’ll go a close 2-1 either way. We need to keep Gozie Ugwu quiet, a lad we know well from his loan spell here a few years back. Whatever happens, I want it done without the need for a replay!

Photos by David Holmes. For a full set of images visit wokingfc.co.uk.

December 8, 2016 0

Getting To Know Stockport County

By Jacob Greenwood

Attention turns away from the league (thank goodness!) and towards the FA Cup this weekend as The Cards travel to Stockport County for their Round One tie.

After a string of poor results, Garry Hill’s side will now be focusing on how to overcome a County side that will certainly be ‘up for the cup’ under experienced manger Jim Gannon. Despite sitting in mid-table, the side from Greater Manchester had an impressive October, losing just one game to Kidderminster Harriers and winning their four other games.

Although they are in step two of non-league, County, as an ex-league side, are still widely seen as a ‘big club’ and even have a side named after them in China. A big crowd is expected on Saturday as they look to revisit some teams they were more familiar with on their journey in the higher tiers of English football.

torquay — Woking Overcome Torquay in the 4th Qualifying Round

We talked to Sam Byrne from Stockport News about the club and what Woking fans can expect on Saturday.

Stockport will always been seen as a ‘big club’ thanks to their history, previously in Division 1, how have fans adapted to being a non-league team, are they just happy to have a club?

As you allude to in a question below, initially many probably thought County would be straight back up – firstly from the National League into the Football League, and then from the National League North back into the National League! So relegation into non-league in 2011 was gutting for the whole club, and while attendances both home and away have remained some of the best in non-league (and even better than some L2 and L1 clubs), I don’t think it’s the fans “adapting” to non-league. Just die-hard football fans doing what die-hard football fans of any club do.

You won’t find a single County fan who will claim to have truly enjoyed any part of non-league football – but as things got worse and worse both on and off the pitch over the last few years, an air of resignation and of being battered into submission from the fans seemed to appear, which is probably mistaken by some as acceptance from the fans of where the club finds itself.

When Stockport got relegated from The Conference it was though that they would come back up pretty soon, but it hasn’t happened, what has been going on at the club?

It’d probably be quicker to tell you what hasn’t happened at this club over the past few years than what has! Summing things up as briefly as possible, we dropped into non-league with Ray Mathias in charge – he’d steadied the ship on the pitch somewhat in League Two and fleetingly gave us a chance of survival, so most were happy with him staying in charge. But over that summer, a ‘consortium’ of Liverpool-based businessmen got their foot in the door and somehow were allowed to point Didi Hamann as manager with Mathias shown the door, before signing a boat-load of Liverpudlian players. The consortium, and Hamann, rather predictably left the club just two months later and County were left with a sinking ship which was now sinking even faster than before. So much has gone on over the past decade, and every single fan will point to a different issue being the most problematic, but that consortium being allowed to play Football Manager with the club despite no alleged evidence of any funds or backing was a big factor in things going even more wrong.

We swiftly dropped into the Conference North, and although there’s been three seasons of mid-table finishes, club legend Jim Gannon is back in charge with owners who are now steadying the ship off the pitch and doing their bit to tie up all the different debts/loans etcetera.

You’ll speak to some fans who won’t agree with that at all and who will argue that these same owners were some of the same people who were also in charge during our decline, and that gradual progress in the sixth division isn’t really progress – but the majority (in my opinion!) do support what’s currently going on. So that does just give you an idea of not just the issues on and off the pitch, but the differing views of the fanbase as well. I know I said it’d be a brief overview, but that’s almost impossible!

County currently sit in mid-table, what is the aim for this season in your opinion?

As mentioned, Jim Gannon is back in charge and he will have the support and patience of the vast majority of fans as he rebuilds. We really struggled last season under Neil Young with a high turnover of players and a rotten run of mid-season form, and Jim pretty much completely rebuilt the squad over the summer, so while the play-offs are the goal (Fylde will surely run away with the one automatic spot!) I imagine a season where County may just miss out on a play-off spot would be accepted by the fans, as long as progress on the pitch is being achieved. It’s a very tight division with any of around 9 teams going for the play-offs, but that will be the goal.

Coming from step two of non-league, County have already had a few games in The FA Cup this season, how did they get to round one?

We’ve had one of the more comfortable routes into the First Round, it has to be said. Three home ties in the three qualifying rounds, with only one of those coming against a side in the same division, and three 2-0 wins.

Hyde and Bishop Auckland from divisions seven & nine were swept aside quite routinely at Edgeley Park in the second and fourth (final) qualifying rounds, but the biggie was Salford City at home in the Third. Some County fans probably had a bit of a chip on their shoulder about the ‘media darlings’ of Salford after their Cup exploits on the BBC last season, so the 2-0 win and rather dominant performance was quite sweet. That provided everyone at the club with a lot of confidence as Salford were quite fancied and would have been confident of a win themselves.

How big a game is this for the club?

It’s massive. I think it’s fair to say nobody would dub Stockport vs Woking as a glamour tie for either side, but the occasion itself is big. It’s the first time since 2012 that we’ve reached the First Round proper, but as a National League side at the time, we were drawn away at Southend in what was probably the worst possible draw we could have got, and a 3-0 defeat beckoned. We’re just on the back of a run of four wins in five games now, so confidence is high all around, and many are looking at your away record and league position and fancying the win. I know Woking are pulling out all the stops to get fans travelling in big numbers, and I’m sure you’ll rightly fancy the result as well. As we discussed on Twitter, County are really pushing their reduced admission prices and trying to get as many fans through the gates as possible, so a big attendance could also be on the cards. So it will hopefully be a big atmosphere for what is a big occasion despite the tie on paper not looking the best!

Who will Woking have to watch out for on Saturday?

Easiest question you’ve given me! Danny Lloyd, the left-sided attacker signed from Fylde over the summer. 9 goals and 8 assists in 17 games so far this season for County. He’s proven a real fan favourite so far, and County will always be confident of a result home or away with him in the side. He was actually left out of the squad altogether last weekend in a 0-1 home defeat to Kidderminster with Saturday’s Cup tie in mind!

In midfield, Lewis Montrose – a former League Two title winner with Wycombe – has a touch of class and can look head and shoulders above this level when he’s on his game.

Finally, what’s your score prediction?

A: It’s a really tricky one. County could well be the bookies favourites, which is probably a bit harsh on Woking if so! I’m sure you guys will expect the win no matter your league position, just as I’m sure County fans would do against a lower division side. Jim Gannon will inspire confidence in the home fans due to his prior Cup exploits – he guided Northwich to the Second Round last season, where they were actually 2-0 up at Northampton only to lose 3-2 in the final eight minutes. He managed ten FA Cup games last season at Northwich – four more than Man Utd played, who won the entire competition!

I don’t much fancy a long Tuesday night mid-November trip to Woking (no offence!) so rather predictably, I’ll go for a 1-1 draw and a replay to follow!

Image from David Holmes. Find a full set on wokingfc.co.uk

November 4, 2016 0

Tubbs Impressed With Woking Character After Fightback Earns A Point

By Jacob Greenwood

On-loan striker Matt Tubbs was pleased following a debut goal during Woking’s 3-3 draw with Eastleigh and believes The Cards have enough to get out of trouble.

Second half goals from Dealno Sam-Yorke and Luke Kandi saw the home side battle back from 3-1 down to draw against Ronnie Moore’s promotion chasing side. After the game Tubbs, an the ex-Spitfires player, told BBC Surrey it was a tough fixture but that Woking fought well to come back into it and take a point:

“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but the lads dug in today and showed character. To be 3-1 down against a team who could win this league (and get a draw), the character was unbelievable.”

The 32-year-old kept Woking in the game when his glancing header made it 1-1 and despite being happy with a point, he believes Woking could have taken all three.

“If the game went on for ten more minutes I think we would have won. It is a good point and it will be an even bigger point if we can beat Bromley on Tuesday. The second half performance was great and if we can take that into Tuesday, get a result there, then we can go in to Sutton with confidence.”

Speaking on Woking’s chance on survival, Tubbs believes he has already seen enough from the team to suggest that they won’t be facing relegation this season.

“I saw it (that Woking have enough quality to move up the league) on my first day when we played Bournemouth U23s (in a friendly), it was a really good performance. I came away from that game thinking the league position was false, there are some really good players here and we showed that today.”

Imagea by David Holmes. A full set can be viewed at wokingfc.co.uk

The BBC Surrey interview can be heard – here

October 2, 2016 0

Getting To Know Tranmere Rovers

By Jacob Greenwood

Woking head to Merseyside on Saturday as they go in search of their first away win of the season at Tranmere Rovers.

Garry Hill and his Woking side are likely to be in high-spirits after back-to-back wins against Torquay United and Wrexham lifted them out of the relegation zone. However, The Cards will visit a Tranmere side who will be looking to prove a point after the departure of manager Gary Brabin last weekend.

wfc-wrexham — Woking Celebrate Beating Wrexham 2-0

Tranmere narrowly missed out on a play-off spot last season and had made a good start to the 2016/17 campaign until defeats at Aldershot Town, Lincoln City and Sutton United saw the club dismiss Brabin.

We caught up with Rovers fan Kenny Orr to find out what is going on at Prenton Park and what Cards fans can expect.

Gary Brabin – named manager of the month (for August) on September 2nd, out of a job by the 18th of the same month. This seems weird from an outsider’s perspective, but the fans seemed to have lost faith after a good start?

I can imagine from the outside looking in, it must seem crazy, but I’m relieved Brabin has gone. Last season we setup not to get beat rather than going for wins and we didn’t reach the play-offs which was a failure in the eyes of the supporters. We were told that a more positive approach would be taken this season and it never came, even when we won. Games were becoming laborious and extremely frustrating.

Who would you like to see come and take over the vacant management position?

There is a strong rumour about Nigel Adkins, who is an ex-player/coach, as well as being a Birkenhead native. He’d be a hell of a coup but part of me just can’t see it happening. If not, I’d like to see Tony Grant (ex Everton/M.City & now coaching) given a go as he apparently has a good reputation.

Want I want to see us avoid is a long ball merchant. I’ve had enough of it after Micky Adams and Gary Brabin.

Tranmere ended last season well and just missed out on the play-offs but were damaged by a difficult start. What did you make of the standard of football and what were your highs and lows?

The standard of football is ok and not too distant from League 2. The frustration for me is how many teams will automatically go for a physical approach to most games. It’s prehistoric and unnecessary in my eyes, it would be good to see more individual skill and nous on show.

Highs – beating Chester at home with a big crowd and solid performance was great.

Lows – Losing to Wrexham at home towards the end of the season killed our faint playoff hopes. Our home form was woeful for most of the season.

A good start to this season means Tranmere are still up the right end of the table. Would fans be happy with the play-offs or has the aim got to be automatic promotion?

Most fans expect a good crack for the automatic place, settling for the playoffs now would be seen as a major lack of ambition. The playoffs are always a lottery and we haven’t won one of them since 1991!

Who will Woking have to watch out for on Saturday?

James Norwood is always a threat and our most exciting player. He’s scored a few already and it would be good too see him played up front rather than being exiled out wide now that Brabin has gone.

Finally, what is your score prediction?

1-1. I can’t see a great change under an assistant manager being given control. Our players seem very low on confidence too, so you’re visiting at a good time.

Images by David Holmes. A full set can be found at wokingfc.co.uk

September 22, 2016 0

The Voice of the Fans