Long Reads | Supporters' Season Preview

After a highly commendable first full season under Darren Sarll, one of the main standouts was the creation of an unbreakable bond between the players, staff and supporters. From Torquay to Tyneside, and everywhere in between, the support was immense and memories were made, so with that in mind, we thought that the way to kickstart the 2023/24 season would be to get the fans' views on a busy summer at the Laithwaite.

The Panel
Our panel of ten (Sam, Harry, Kieron, Toby, Dan, Ben, Josh, Steven, Andy C and Andy F) have shared their thoughts ahead of what is sure to be another enthralling season in North West Surrey.

Standout games
Unsurprisingly, the Aldershot double-header was unanimously chosen by our panel as the ones to look out for when the fixtures are released, however, there was also a large clamour for Dorking, in particular away from home, after last year's Rohan Ince double gave us a massive win in the Good Friday sunshine.



Other suggestions included Harry looking forward to Barnet away, which is once again our second away game of the season as we look to right the wrongs from our last trip to the Hive, whilst Andy C, Andy F and Ben are all looking towards taking on title challengers Chesterfield, with Andy C in particular looking forward to our return to the SMH Group Stadium after last year's memorable 3-1 away win.

Steven also highlighted Rochdale, who we welcome to the Laithwaite on Tuesday 15th August, and noted the parallels between newly relegated sides possibly starting slowly, such as Scunthorpe and Oldham last year.

Signings to watch out for
With ten new signings completed before our last friendly at Havant & Waterlooville, our panel were spoilt for choice in terms of their options for this category, however Dan opted to go for our first 'new' player in Dennon Lewis, adding that he was "quite intrigued" at the prospect of the winger returning to the club.

Arguably the biggest signing on paper is the addition of former Cambridge skipper Greg Taylor, with Sam and Josh both looking forward to seeing the experienced defender marshalling our backline, whilst Andy F is looking forward to seeing Matt Robinson and Manny Oyeleke bolstering our midfield, with Oyeleke also receiving approval from Toby, Steven, Andy C and Kieron.

There was also quite a strong approval for Nana Boateng as a 'one to watch' after the Millwall loanee's impressive start to pre season saw him set up three goals in his first two pre season matches, whilst the general consensus was that Reece Grego-Cox will be just like a new signing after looking very sharp in the friendlies.

Also, it was highlighted by the fans how the additions of the likes of Joe Day, Robbie Willmott, Charlie Wakefield, Tunji Akinola and Sam Habergham will help boost squad depth, keeping players fresh across the 46 games.



Overall thoughts ahead of the season
Understandably, there is a lot of optimism amongst our panel ahead of the big kick off, with Sam in particular highlighting how he's never looked at a squad before and found it impossible to pick a starting eleven and bench, whilst highlighting that there is a great feeling and anticipation around the club. Kieron echoes this, saying he believes the signings brought in have strengthened an already strong team.

Steven noted the way outgoing players have been quickly replaced, as the squad has been strengthened rather than just patched up. Harry mentioned the winning mentality instilled into the club from the successes of last season, with Andy and Josh highlighting how open the league is this year after losing record-breakers Wrexham and Notts County to the EFL.

There was also a large feeling of caution, however, due to the open nature and unpredictability of the National League, and how after surprising many last season, expectations have been heightened not just inside and around the club, but to outsiders as well.

With a trip to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday starting off what is sure to be another rollercoaster season, Woking fans can dare to dream, as the 2023/24 National League will be just as thrilling as the last campaign, for the Cards, and the other 23 teams involved.