8:00pm, Sun 22nd Jun 2025
Woking Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Robin Byrne as the club’s new Managing Director, effective 1st July, 2025. He will succeed Emanuele Palladino, who served as the club’s CEO for the past year, and is stepping down to pursue other interests.
Byrne joined the club’s executive team in March 2025, quickly establishing himself as a driving force behind several key initiatives. Byrne brings more than 22 years of leadership experience across multiple business sectors. With a strong background in sales, marketing and commercial strategy, he is well-positioned to lead the club into its next phase of growth and development.
“We are delighted to confirm Robin as our new Managing Director,” said Todd Johnson, Woking FC Chairman. “In the short time he’s been at the club, Robin has demonstrated clear leadership, is creating a positive and winning culture, and a strong vision for the future.”
Palladino played a key role behind the scenes, helping to navigate the club through a very uncertain and tumultuous period in its history. He was instrumental in securing a deal for the sale of the club from the previous ownership group to the new one.
“We appreciate Mani’s dedicated service to the club and all of his positive contributions over the past year,” said Johnson.
“The most important thing to me is that we were able to save the club, keep it going and make the transition to the new ownership group”, Palladino said. “It’s been an honour to have been a part of the journey of this amazing club,” he added.
Meanwhile, commenting on his new role, Byrne said:
“It’s a privilege to be given the opportunity to help lead this historic club. Football has always been a personal passion. All three of my sons have played at academy level, and as a local resident, I’ve supported Woking FC for years. I understand the club’s heritage and its vital role in the local community.”
“After speaking with the new ownership group and key leaders at Woking FC, I knew right away that I wanted to be part of this exciting new chapter. I’m committed to helping foster a strong team culture and a shared set of values that unite everyone, both on and off the pitch. This is a team effort, and I want to express my sincerest appreciation for our incredibly loyal Woking fans, sponsors, commercial partners, staff, players, coaches, volunteers, the Cards Trust, the Woking Borough Council, and for the support throughout the community. I look forward to working closely with all of you to help the club reach its full potential.”
“Together. We are Woking.”
The club’s first home pre-season friendly will take place on Tuesday, July 15th at 7:00 PM at the Laithwaite Community Stadium vs EFL Championship Club Portsmouth FC. Tickets are available online
here, or by contacting us at tickets@wokingfc.co.uk.
