Geoff Chapple Retires

Woking Football Club and Club legend Geoff Chapple jointly announce his retirement on 2nd October 2023.

Geoff has had an association with the Club spanning six decades, first joining as a player, becoming manager in 1984, and today retires from the position of Football Secretary.

He is widely regarded as one of Woking’s greatest-ever players and is the Club’s most successful manager, having won three FA Trophies, two promotions, and led the Cardinals through multiple memorable FA Cup campaigns.

Following his playing and management careers, Chapple has worked for the Club in the roles of Commercial Director and most recently, Football Secretary. He also represents the Club in an official ambassadorial capacity.



“It is a very bittersweet moment as Woking Football Club congratulates Geoff Chapple on his retirement after serving the Club in numerous capacities across six decades,” said Woking Chief Executive Officer John Katz.

“Personally, Geoff has been a selfless mentor to me as I made the transition from baseball into football and continue to learn the intricacies of the business. His knowledge is endless, his heart is kind, and he’s given me the most generous gift of time and leadership as I came into this Club which has been and will continue to be invaluable.

“I wish Geoff happiness in retirement – even though I know he is just a phone call away – and I feel truly blessed to have been able to work with him and to have him in my life. Geoff is a true Woking legend in every sense of the word,” Katz added.

"Ever since I was made aware of Geoff retiring it has made me very grateful for the short amount of time that I have had the pleasure to work with him," said Manager Darren Sarll.

"Football management can be a lonely job and very rarely does the manager have the opportunity to share everything about the job with another manager that is working in the same direction as yourself. More so, to work with who is our greatest manager bar none has been a real privilege.

"Geoff is our strongest of pillars that have built such deep foundations, and we should all be very grateful, thankful even for his contribution to Woking Football Club.

"Geoff, I have enjoyed our time working together and appreciate all the stories and experience. With a bit of luck, we can share many more," Sarll added.



Geoff, on his last working day at the Laithwaite Community Stadium, said:

“First and foremost, I need to thank my employer, Woking Football Club, for allowing me the opportunity to be part of what has been a most memorable journey. I have enjoyed many happy years at the Club playing and managing, and the past few years as Football Secretary.

“It seems uncanny that I signed my first professional contract as manager on 1st October 1984, and retire 39 years and one day later on 2nd October 2023.

“Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to work with some wonderful people and would like to thank everyone connected with Woking Football Club. I would also like to thank the governing bodies I have worked closely with during my time as Football Secretary.

“At my first match as manager against Clapton in 1984, we had an attendance of 87. To help lead the club through its transition to being a force in non-league and recognisable nationwide, and engage the local community with its football club, has been a privilege and honour.

“As with all happy memories, there are of course sad ones too, as I remember dear friends of Woking Football Club that are no longer with us; many of whom have been influential to me personally and helped shape our Club to what it is today.

“This is not farewell, it is just a see you soon; I look forward to being with you all at the Laithwaite Community Stadium and getting behind our team throughout the seasons to come.

“Come on you Cards.”

The Club will soon announce plans for Geoff to be recognised, celebrated, and thanked by supporters, the board of directors and staff at an upcoming match.