SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2023
KICK OFF: 15:00
V. SOLIHULL MOORS
2023/24 #06
WiLL JaaSkeL ainen
Greetings, and welcome back to the Laithwaite Community Stadium for this afternoon’s matchup between your Cards and our visitors from Solihull Moors.
Saturday at Maidenhead yielded an important point away. Maidenhead tends to be one of our bogey clubs, and we’d not earned a point there since 2019. It was a big lift and a real moment of excitement when Jermaine Anderson came on in the 60’, making his first competitive appearance since his injury away to Chesterfield on 7 February.
Saturday at Maidenhead yielded an important point away. Maidenhead tends to be one of our bogey clubs, and we’d not earned a point there since 2019.
Last Friday, we had a team of volunteers come back to put Reserved Seat stickers on 700+ seats in the Seymours’ Community Stand. Many thanks to Adrian and Lynn Corbett, Paul Woozley and Ian Tilley for joining Sheena to get the job done. Thanks again.
As you will read a bit later in today’s issue, Pride in Surrey takes place today in Reigate. Many thanks to Cards fan Charlie Cruise for sharing his story and how Woking FC has become a safe and
welcoming place for our friends in the LGBTQ+ community. Our captain, Josh Casey will be donning the Pride Captain’s armband for today’s match.
Today also marks the first of three matches this season where we will honour the legacy of Cards fans who have passed away. Today, we will honour those lost since the end of last season. We ask that you join us for a minute’s applause in memory of the losses endured by the families of their loved ones and of our Woking FC family.
In the coming weeks, our online shop will relaunch with a full line of kit and training ranges. We’ll also be debuting our much-anticipated third kit by the end of the month.
Always remember that the complaint (and compliment) line is always open. Just email me at john.katz@wokingfc.co.uk and we can take in your feedback. Or, as the kids say, you can slide into my DMs on Twitter at @jekatz33.
Best,
JOHN KATZ CHIEF EXECUTIVEToday also marks the first of three matches this season where we will honour the legacy of Cards fans who have passed away. Today, we will honour those lost since the end of last season.
8 Find out our plans for your area: footballfoundation.org.uk
Vanarama National League
9th September 2023
15:00 Kick-Off
Woking welcome the only remaining unbeaten side in the National League to the Laithwaite on Saturday when they welcome Solihull Moors.
After back-to-back clean sheets in their last two games and picking up seven points in their last three games, Darren Sarll's side will hope to secure three home wins on the bounce, against a Moors side who have won all three of their away games so far this season, beating Ebbsfleet, Boreham Wood and Oldham respectively.
Darren Sarll has hinted at some possible incomings ahead of Saturday, with the boost of Jermaine Anderson completing 30 minutes off the bench on Saturday meaning that Woking will have options in midfield, with Manny Oyeleke not far away either.
Following supporter feedback, the following changes have been made for fans when entering the ground.
1. Season Ticket Holders for any area may enter the ground at the Kingfield Road entrance through the gates located between the turnstiles and the gatehouse.
2. Season Ticket Holders wishing to continue to use the Westfield Turnstiles may continue to do so.
3. Pre-paid (advance) and walk-up tickets will continue to enter designated gates.
4. All cash gates will also have terminals to accept credit cards.
After a disappointing season last time out saw Moors finish 15th on the back of play-off final heartbreak against Grimsby Town, the decision was made for Neal Ardley to leave the club in late June, just before the start of pre season. His replacement, Andy Whing, who had managed Banbury United for three years, earning them promotion to the National League North and then surviving in his first season, seemed like a wildcard choice for a club who had been so close to the EFL.
However, Whing has overseen a huge turnover, with star man Andrew Dallas gone to Barnsley, as well as a number of other Moors stalwarts. Incomings have included former Woking striker Connor Hall from Chorley, young full back Joe Newton from Havant and Waterlooville, attacking midfielder Matt Warburton from Halifax, as well as Birmingham City prospect Nico Gordon on loan.
With three goals apiece, strikers Mark Beck and Josh Kelly are joint top scorers with three goals each, with Moors scoring 14 so far and conceding just 7 in their opening games, as they have won four and drawn three. Meanwhile, one of the best players in the league over the past few years, Joe Sbarra is yet to feature for Solihull this season, which is testament to the side Whing has built and their opening run of form.
Ricky Korboa's second half goal was the difference between the sides in late April at the ARMCO Arena, as Woking ran out 1-0 winners in their last game of the 2023/24 regular season.
The Cards completed a double over Solihull last season, with James Daly and Kyran Lofthouse goals either side of half time, along with a Jamey Osborne red card in the second half giving Woking a 2-0 victory at the Laithwaite in late September 2023.
This fixture tends to be one that favours the home side, with the 11 fixtures since 2016/17 resulting in 6 wins for the Cards, 4 for the Moors and 1 draw. Woking have won 5 of their 6 home fixtures with Solihull.
York Road is located in Maidenhead Town Centre, which has plenty of pubs and restaurants, including O'Neills, right on the corner of Queen Street, about a five minute walk from the away turnstiles.
Due to train strikes, there is a very limited service to Maidenhead, so other modes of transport are recommended.
The Cards Trust has some spaces available on the supporters' coach, booking information and details can be found here.
Adults: £20
Concession: £15
Next-Gen (17-22): £12
Under 17 (14-16): £8
Under 14 (13 & under): £5
Prices will increase on the turnstile and supporters are encouraged to purchase in advance.
Home supporters can purchase tickets here. Away supporters can purchase tickets here.
Click here for information on gate opening times, food and drink facilities, the Club shop and other ticketing information.
Click here for more information.
Supporters needing assistance with booking tickets can call the office on 01483 967 229, or visit between 10:00 – 16:00, Monday - Friday, excluding bank holidays.
Kingfield Road turnstiles – blue and yellow entry opens two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, unless otherwise stated.
Westfield Avenue turnstiles - red and orange entry opens two-and-a-half hours before kickoff, unless otherwise stated.
Away supporter turnstiles - white entry opens two hours before kick-off, unless stated otherwise.
Supporters who have purchased a hospitality package will have green entry and should enter through the Guest Entrance, Kingfield Road.
Supporters are reminded to arrive at the Laithwaite Community Stadium in good time, and are not guaranteed to gain entry in time for kick-off when arriving less than 30 minutes before kick-off.
The Cardinals Bar is located at the front of the stadium.
The bar has full draught and bottle beer options. The Fan Zone is the newest addition for supporters and is located opposite the Cardinals Bar.
Moaners Corner Café is located next Moaners Corners Stand, with hot and cold drinks, plus snacks available. The Seymours Community Stand has hot food options and a last lane for beverages.
The Club Shop is open two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, located by the Fan Zone. The shop is also open Mon - Fri, 10:00 - 16:00, upon check-in at reception.
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28 Sam Habergham SPONSOR AVAILABLE
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www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk
Solihull Moors FC is a merger between the former Solihull Borough and Moor Green football clubs. Solihull Borough was formed in 1953 and originally known as Lincoln FC. Borough progressed through local leagues before joining the Midland Combination in 1969, where they spent twentytwo seasons, eventually gaining promotion to the Southern League. In 1989 the club was forced to sell its ground. After a proposed relocation fell through, a ground-share was agreed with Moor Green, which lasted for ten years until the purchase of Damson Park in August 1999.
Moor Green was formed in 1901. The Moorlands was acquired in 1930. In 2003/04 Moors joined the newly formed Nationwide Conference North. However, in the inaugural season devastation was caused by two arson attacks at The Moorlands, leaving the club homeless. Moors thus became tenants of Solihull Borough at Damson Park.
With both clubs struggling, the merger seemed an obvious way forward and formed in the summer of 2007, Solihull Moors Football Club became one of the youngest clubs in senior English football and took the place of Moor Green in the Blue Square Conference North. Moor Green manager Bob Faulkner took the new club forward, but the team struggled initially. He died in the February of the 2010/11 season and ex-Borough boss Mickey Moore stepped in for the rest of the season. Marcus Bignot then came in, inheriting a youthful squad, and over the next couple of seasons the club grew. As well as increasing the first team squad, youth and ladies teams were formed. 2015/16 saw eleven new signings and they won the title three weeks before the end of the campaign.
The first season in The National League saw many squad changes and Bignot also left in the October. This was followed by a massive reorganisation of the coaching and playing staff, and the club took time to settle in the league. In 2018/19, the team finished second and reached the FA Trophy quarter-finals. However, in 2019/20, all plans were brought to a halt by the pandemic. Moors narrowly missed out on the play-offs, finishing in ninth position. The club continued to build and improve, including the construction of a new main stand. 2020/21 started promisingly but, with injuries and Covid, form became inconsistent and Moors dropped down the table, finishing 11th.
2021/22 saw the arrival of former AFC Wimbledon and Notts County Manager Neal Ardley, whose move was confirmed in June 2021, whilst first team coach James Quinn was promoted as his assistant. Solihull finished third and went on to win their play-off semi-final against Chesterfield, but lost the final to Grimsby Town after extra-time, having scored the first goal of the match.
Last season Moors took up a play-off position in the early league table, but eventually finished 15th. Neal Ardley left the club "by mutual consent" in June, with Andy Whing appointed as Head Coach ahead of the current season.
Previous Clubs: Kidderminster Harriers (U23s), Hereford, Banbury United Whing was born in Birmingham and
came through the ranks at Coventry City, being appointed captain at the club's academy. He established himself in the first-team squad during the 2003–04 season, in which he made a total of 31 appearances. A place in history came the
following season when he scored the last ever goal for Coventry at Highfield Road. After 36 appearances in the 2005–06 season the rightback moved to Brighton & Hove Albion, initially on loan, before making the move permanent during the summer of 2007. He remained in the first team throughout the 2007–08 season, making 42 appearances, and was then voted Player of the Year for the 2008–09 season.
However, under new manager Gus Poyet, Whing found first-team opportunities at Brighton limited and in March 2010, he joined League Two side Chesterfield on loan until the end of the season. Whing then spent the majority of the 2010-11 season with Leyton Orient before joining Oxford United for the 2011–12 season, in which he won the Supporters’ Player of the Year award.
The following seasons saw appearances restricted by injury, and whilst he did win the clubs’ Goal of the Season award for a scissor-kick against Rochdale during the 2013-14 season, Whing announced at the end of the 2014-15 season that he would not be signing a new playing contract with Oxford, instead being appointed jointly with Leon Blackmore-Such as the club's under-18 coach. In September 2017 he left, after six years as a player and coach with the club, to become head coach of the under-23 side at Kidderminster Harriers. In September 2019, Whing joined National League North club Hereford and was re-united with former manager Russell Slade.
Whing was appointed as manager of Southern League Premier Division Central club Banbury United on 12 May 2020, with his former Oxford United teammate James Constable as his assistant. Whing led Banbury to the Southern League Premier Division Central Title during the 2021–22 season, promotion being secured on 2 April 2022 with four matches remaining, the club joining the National League North for the first time in their history. Following survival in their first season in the National League North, Whing resigned from his role in May 2023. On 28 June 2023, Whing was appointed Head Coach of Moors.
Number: 9
Former clubs: Carlisle United, Workington (loan), Falkirk (loan), Yeovil Town, Wrexham (loan), Darlington, Harrogate Town, York City (loan).
Beck was born in Sunderland and started his career in the youth team of Carlisle United and signed a two-year apprenticeship in the summer of 2010. In the summer of 2015 he joined Yeovil Town, and in January 2016 joined Wrexham on loan until the end of that season. Beck then joined National League North club Darlington, and finished the 2016-17 season as the club's top scorer with 18 goals, all in league competition. He returned to full-time football when signing for Darlington's National League North rivals Harrogate Town on 7 November 2017 for an undisclosed fee. At Harrogate he scored 34 goals in 123 appearances as they rose from National League North to League Two. Beck then joined National League North club York City on 23 July 2021 on loan until January 2022. He scored six goals from 25 appearances in all competitions before returning to Harrogate. He then rejoined Darlington in July 2022. Six goals in his first eight games, and his first career hattrick, meant that by January he was top scorer in the National League North with 15 goals, and had helped Darlington to third place in the table. And during the January 2023 transfer window, Solihull Moors met Beck's release clause and offered him terms beyond Darlington's reach, as he signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. Having scored three goals in 21 appearances in the second half of last season, Beck has already matched that tally in his first 7 games this season. He has one goal from three Scotland under-19 caps to his name.
Solihull Moors were formed as recently as 2007, when Solihull Borough and Moor Green merged. Moor Green had been ground sharing with Solihull Borough for two years at the time of the merger and had been playing at Conference North level, the newly merged club took Moor Green’s place in that division, Solihull Borough had been playing two divisions lower. In 2015/16 Solihull Moors won the National League North by nine points to join Woking in the top tier of non-league football for the first time.
Woking visited Damson Park for the first-ever time, also Solihull Moors’ first-ever home match at this level, on 9th August 2016. Both clubs were parttime with young inexperienced players. Moors with nine new players, trying to establish themselves, and Woking, under the experienced Garry Hill, but with a reducing budget, had lost Goddard,
Ricketts, Andrade and Rendell, along with the Chairman, Club Secretary and Commercial Manager. The Cards took a two-goal lead, first through a Nathan Ralph header, and then a Zak Ansah cross flew over everyone and into the far top corner of the net. Woking held their 2-0 lead until the 73rd minute, when Harry White reduced the deficit, before Jordan Fagbola equalised shortly afterwards, giving a fairer reflection of the constant pressure that they had applied to the visitor’s goal. In November Solihull lost their manager of six years, Marcus Bignot, to Grimsby. He was replaced by Liam McDonald who managed to maintain a midtable position.
The Moors visited Kingfield for the first time in early February, Woking were seven points behind their West Midlands visitors and just one point ahead of the relegation places, so a win was a must. The Cards started strongly, and Terrell Thomas headed
his first goal for the club after just two minutes. As in the away game Solihull applied pressure, resulting in an equaliser from future Card Regan CharlesCook on the hour. After a couple of fine saves from a young Nathan Baxter in the Solihull goal, he was finally beaten as Fabio Saraiva blasted home the winner. In added time there was an almighty scramble on the Woking goal-line, ending with the ball in Michael Poke’s arms and Solihull players claiming the ball had crossed the line, this spilt over into a brawl at the final whistle, but the points were Woking’s. They needed them, this left the Cards three points above the drop with fourteen games to go, a gap that was maintained to the end. Solihull finished two points and two places above the Cards
The Moors had a poor start to the 2017/18 season and were occupying the relegation places when they visited Kingfield in September. Baxter and Charles-Cook had now swapped sides and were in the home team, the latter being replaced by Tahvon Campbell. Woking had a new manager, after six years, in Anthony Limbrick. The match reflected Woking’s season as they dominated the first half, but only had a Jason Banton goal to show for it. Fortunes reversed in the second half, aided by a strong wind, and rain, former Premier League player Darren Carter equalised for Solihull via a penalty. The Cards managed to rally, and Joe Ward set up substitute Charlie Carter to score a late winner. Two further victories had Woking one point off top spot after a quarter of the season. Meanwhile McDonald paid for Moors’ poor start by leaving the club in October. Richard Money stayed for one month, before Mark Yates and Tim Flowers took over in November with Solihull bottom of the league.
Woking went to Damson Park in January on a run of six matches without a win as their season nosedived. Solihull were going in the other direction being undefeated in three games. They were still seven points from safety with seventeen games to go, trailing the Cards by eleven points. However, fortified by four recent arrivals, the Moors
earned a well-deserved victory in snowy conditions to continue their quest for survival. In the remaining games Solihull doubled their points total to 54 points, while Woking only collected thirteen. Not only did the Cards end up six points behind their West Midlands rivals, but they were also relegated, after one win in their last fourteen matches.
Mark Yates was snapped up by Football League Macclesfield Town after his Moors revival, being replaced by his assistant Tim Flowers. Woking replaced Limbrick with Alan Dowson. Both clubs had successful seasons, both finishing as runners up in their respective divisions. Solihull, now full-time, lost at home to Fylde in their play-off semi-final, while Woking gained promotion at the first attempt with a home victory over Welling. This resulted in the clubs facing each other again for a third season in 2019/20.
Although only five league matches had been played, unbeaten Solihull were top of the fledglingtable, when they visited second placed Woking. On a baking-hot afternoon, Woking took control with two goals in the first sixteen minutes, from Jake Hyde and Manny Parry. As expected, Solihull had sustained moments of pressure but the Cards’ defence held firm to go top of the league and stayed there for three matches. Woking were due to visit Moors on Easter Monday, but the match never took place due to Covid. The season ended early, in mid-March with the clubs locked on the same record, Solihull finished above Woking on goal difference, but both missed out on the play-off positions.
The following season started after a gap of seven months, in October, without the fans. Solihull were Woking’s opening day visitors. Dowson made it a hat-trick of opening day wins with another close victory. Moors managed to take the lead for the first time at Kingfield thanks to a first-half penalty from Jamie Ward. A Josh Casey corner was swung to the back-post where Max Kretzschmar rose to head an equaliser early in the second half. Just
eight minutes later Kane Ferdinand slammed home the winner and Woking comfortably held out with their hastily put together side. This was a disappointing result for Solihull, who were one of the favourites for promotion, in a disappointing season. In March they re-appointed Mark Yates as manager until the end of the season, but a mid-table position could not be improved upon. Woking, meanwhile, after a solid start, drifted down the table, after no relegation was confirmed, in order to save money. They were on a club record run of nine-straight defeats when they visited Damson Park, and Solihull extended the run to ten with a reversal of the opening day score line.
Normality was restored for 2021/22, with fans returning for an August start. Neal Ardley was now manager of Solihull Moors, and his impressive squad was at last beginning to fulfil their potential and competing for one of the play-off places. They cruised to victory against the Cards in December, with top scorer Joe Sbarra punishing a defensive mistake before an Adam Rooney penalty made the game safe.
The return match in Surrey, in late March, saw Solihull sitting in the play-off places and on a ten-match unbeaten league run. The Cards by contrast, had sacked their manager a month
earlier after another disappointing season, but Caretaker-Manager Ian Dyer had overseen quite a turnaround and they themselves were on a fourmatch unbeaten run. It was the home side that took the lead, before conceding their first goal in over 400 minutes as Moors levelled. The lead was restored, and the fixture looked to be going the way of the home side. However, Moussa Diarra’s pulled hamstring and the Cards’ subsequent reshuffle handed the initiative to the visitors, who took full advantage, and the away team took the points for the first time in the fixture. Woking did maintain a mid-table finish, and Moors secured a play-off place for the second time. An impressive semi-final victory over Chesterfield, was followed by a deserved half-time lead against Grimsby in the final at the London Stadium, but the Mariners found an equaliser, before Jordan Maguire-Drew, who had started the season at Woking, scored an extra-time winner to break the Moors’ hearts. Last season Moors visited Woking on 24th September and the Cards claimed victory over the visitors with goals from James Daly (on 29 minutes) and Kyran Lofthouse (on 54 minutes), to maintain an impressive home record and move up to seventh in the Vanarama National League. The return fixture on the last day of the season brought a 1-0 victory for Woking, through a Ricky Korboa goal (on 55 minutes), with Woking looking forward to the play-offs, and Solihull Moors finishing fifteenth.
Today’s match at the Laithwaite Community Stadium coincides with Surrey’s annual LGBTQ+ Pride event, which this year takes place in Reigate.
Woking fan Charlie Cruise discusses inclusivity in football and why Pride still matters. Non-league football is about community. It’s about turning up every Saturday and standing behind your team alongside 2,500 others and sharing a connection for those few hours a week. For many of us, the 90 minutes (+ added time) of action on the pitch is only a small part of why we turn up, and what drives our affiliation with the Football Club. Really, it’s about belonging.
It’s about having somewhere and an excuse to see your mates. It’s a constant and dependable part of your life that will always be there for you whatever is going on in the Real World.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to feel comfortable in this community.
Society, football, and Woking FC have all made big advances in the last decade or so in improving the experience of the LGBTQ+ community. However, there’s still a long way to go if we want our community to be inclusive and for marginalised groups to feel welcome and free to be openly themselves.
I started coming regularly to matches fifteen years ago. I was a kid who probably didn’t know who they were – or maybe didn’t want to know. At that time, homophobic language in football, including on the KRE, was common. There were derby games against Aldershot Town where it felt like the majority of the KRE relentlessly chanted homophobic abuse at the opposition ‘keeper. I’m sure Woking was no worse than any other club at that time, and things have improved immeasurably since in a short space of time. I can’t imagine similar scenes ever repeating at our club.
That’s not to say that homophobia in football is a thing of the past, and even isolated incidents are enough to make LGBTQ+ fans feel uncomfortable and isolated at matches. 52% of fans surveyed in a YouGov poll last year felt homophobia is a serious problem in football. A study published this year revealed that 2 in 5 LGBTQ+ fans have felt unwelcome at live sports events.
In 2019, Surrey had its first ever Pride event - hosted in Woking town centre. Woking’s presence on the parade, and the activities at the ground alongside Surrey FA, felt like a real mark of the progress we have made. I will always be thankful to Dowse, Ian Dyer, Martin Tyler, Ian Nicholson, and others from the club for engaging with the event. 15-year-old me would never have believed that the first team manager would agree to have rainbows painted
on their face (and frankly I think Dowse was just as surprised that it was happening). If even one person who was struggling with their sexuality or unsure if they belonged in our community felt some comfort from the Club’s engagement in Pride, it was worth it. It’s a bit cliché but it’s true.
It would be remiss to pass up the opportunity to give Andy Turner a mention here. Long before I met him, Andy was The Voice of the club for me – and it’s great to see that the Turner’s Tannoy fundraiser has done so well. Andy (I think begrudgingly) traipsed around with us on the parade and was someone I occasionally had the opportunity to talk to about experiences of being LGBTQ+ in the years before I was born. For me, this is a great example of how powerful the football club is in creating a community and giving us the opportunity to get to know people from different walks of life, brought together around our shared passion.
The Surrey Pride event is a good opportunity to open the discussion about inclusivity in football, but in reality we can make a difference at any time and it isn’t all about big gestures. We can all do our bit to call out any behaviours or language that we witness, and to create a welcoming and inclusive space here at the Laithwaite.
To find out more, scan our QR code
After a promising pre-season, the Cards came into this game with a strong belief of positivity about what is to come this season. After a short delay to kick-off, they started with the aggressive nature that they have carried through from last season's Southern League Chairman’s Cup final victory.
Sunday 3rd September
Woking got off to a frustrating start as they lost their opening game of the season on the road. A solo goal from captain Kaitlin Howard wasn’t enough to fight back from a stunning hat-trick scored by the hosts' skipper Eilidh Currie.
Efrosyni Theocharous had the game's first effort, but her shot went just wide of the post. After finding space off the ball, she took her chance first time and was unlucky to miss by a fine margin.
Just under ten minutes into the game though, AFC Portchester took the lead through a stunning hard drive from around 35 yards out. Roz Markham managed to get down in goal but could do nothing with the powerful shot.
Shortly after, the Royals doubled their advantage, and it was Currie again who took aim from outside the box. This time, her effort was drilled into Roz’s opposite corner to give them a comfortable early lead.
Woking didn’t allow their heads to drop though and were nearly back into the game from kickoff. One of many new signings Helen Ogle found space after tricking the defender with her quick feet, but her eventual shot went just over.
The hosts very nearly added a third after coming close once again but this time the ball smashed against the crossbar and was cleared. Moments later the visitors came the closest they had all half to scoring after Sheena Nichol took aim from afar, but she agonisingly saw her shot rattle against the top of the goal.
In the second half, Roz made a fantastic save to deny the Royals before the ball then rolled to an oncoming player but was brilliantly cleared off the line by Laura Mitchell.
Woking managed to pull one back just before the hour mark though when Kaitlin’s burst of pace down the right-hand side saw her get past her defender and then her eventual cross shot flew into the back of the net. Last season’s top goal scorer opened her account for the new campaign right where she left off.
The momentum had very clearly swung in the way of the visitors and after building up from the back, Sheena was desperately unlucky again to see her forceful shot from outside the box smash against the bar. If it had been an inch lower, then it would have been a remarkable quick-fire comeback.
It wasn’t to be however as just a minute later, Currie completed her hat-tick in the most astonishing way as she pulled the trigger from just inside the Woking half to catch Roz off her line and re-take their two-goal advantage.
The Cards still had chances right up to the final whistle but in the end, it wasn’t meant to be.
Attention now turns to next Sunday’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup First Qualifying Round game against Leatherhead where players on both sides will acknowledge some familiar faces.
We would love to see as many supporters as we can make their way to Sheerwater’s Eastwood Centre. Tickets are free and available by clicking the link here.
Attendance: 75
Man of the Match: Ellie Boddy
Woking Football Club is proud to announce the launch of a hidden disability initiative for matchdays at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.
Globally, one in six of us live with a disability. Whilst some disabilities are visible, many have non-visible disabilities that are not immediately apparent to others; the most widely known being Dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Without a visual cue, it can be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge, or understand the daily barriers faced by people living with an invisible disability. For some people, this can make it hard to understand and believe that someone with a non-visible disability or condition genuinely needs support.
There will be a stall within the Fan Zone at this Saturday's fixture against Solihull Moors for supporters to access further information about the programme, raise awareness, and ask any questions.
The Cards Trust has kindly provided 100 sunflower lanyards that will be made available free of charge to any supporters or their carers that request one, to help encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding. The lanyards will first be available within the Fan Zone and then from the club shop and reception.
A sunflower suggests happiness, positivity, and strength as well as growth and confidence. The lanyards are universally known and supporters will already be aware of their promotion at airports, railway stations, shopping centres and more.
AUGUST
Sat Aug 05 Kidderminster Harriers
Sat Aug 12 Altrincham
Tue Aug 15 Rochdale
Sat Aug 19 Barnet
Sat Aug 26 Gateshead
Mon Aug 28 Dorking Wanderers
SEPTEMBER
Sat Sept 02 Maidenhead United
Sat Sept 09 Solihull Moors
Sat Sept 16 Hartlepool United
Tue Sept 19 Ebbsfleet United
Sat Sept 23 York City
Tue Sept 26 Wealdstone
Sat Sept 30 AFC Fylde
OCTOBER
Tue Oct 03 FC Halifax Town
Sat Oct 07 Southend United
Sat Oct 14 TBC
Sat Oct 21 Dagenham & Redbridge
Tue Oct 24 Eastleigh
Sat Oct 28 Bromley
NOVEMBER
Sat Nov 11 Oxford City
Sat Nov 18 Oldham Athletic
Tue Nov 21 Chesterfield
Sat Nov 25 Boreham Wood
DECEMBER
Sat Dec 02 Gateshead (FAT R3)
Sat Dec 09 TBC
Sat Dec 16 Dorking Wanderers
Sat Dec 23 Maidenhead United
Tue Dec 26 Aldershot Town
JANUARY
Mon Jan 01 Aldershot Town
Sat Jan 06 Solihull Moors
Sat Jan 20 Oxford City
Tue Jan 23 Chesterfield
Sat Jan 27 Oldham Athletic
FEBRUARY
Sat Feb 03 Boreham Wood
Sat Feb 10 Hartlepool United
Sat Feb 17 FC Halifax Town
Tue Feb 20 Ebbsfleet United
Sat Feb 24 Wealdstone
MARCH
Sat Mar 02 Kidderminster Harriers
Sat Mar 09 Altrincham
Tue Mar 12 Rochdale
Sat Mar 16 Barnet
Sat Mar 23 Southend United
Fri Mar 29 Eastleigh
APRIL
Mon Apr 01 Bromley
Sat Apr 06 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Apr 13 York City
Sat Apr 20 AFC Fylde
TUNJI AKINOL
PADRAIG AMOND
JERMAINE ANDERSON
NANA BOATENG
ZAK BRADSHAW
RHYS BROWNE
JOSH CASEY
SCOTT CUTHBERT
REECE GREGO-COX
SAM HABERGHAM
ROHAN INCE
WILL JAASKELAINEN
JIM KELLERMANN
RICKY KORBOA
DENNON LEWIS
MATT
The Cards Trust (Cardinals Supporters Society) has worked with the Club to represent fans for more than a decade. The Trust is a shareholder of the Club (and owns around a quarter of it) and has a representative on the Board to put forward the fans’ views.
Supporters can join The Cards Trust for just £10 per year. Information about joining is on the Trust website.
An initiative to help the Club’s playing budget with regular contributions. More than £200,000 has gone to the Club throughout the scheme.
A prize draw with twelve draws per year. Around £20,000 has been given to support the Club and more than £12,000 in prizes.
The prize draw that gives back 50% to the lucky winner with a draw at half-time on matchday, with a minimum stake of just £1. The prizes have recently been around £400 and the winning number is announced and displayed on the digital screen at half-time.
The Trust also organises social events and co-
ordinates the activities of volunteers. Please get in touch if you would like to help on match days.
A scheme with a range of activities for under 16s including stadium tours and competitions.
The Fans’ Player of the Month and Player of the Season polls are conducted by the Trust.
The Cards Trust arranges coach travel to away matches for supporters at the lowest cost possible. If you are an advertiser that would like to sponsor the travel, please get in touch.
Details of all coaches are available on the Trust website, where tickets can be booked online, usually up to 23:00 on the day before the match. Members and Junior Cards get discounted away match travel.
The SLG consults with fans (both Trust members and non-members) and the Club to improve the fan experience. Real change has been made based on ideas from the group including the successful Turner's Tannoy appeal which has financed the recent upgrade in the PA at the stadium.
HARTLEPOOL UNITED AWAY TRAVEL -
SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER
Coach leaves The Laithwaite Community Stadium at 07:00
Cards Trust Members - Adult £40
U16's & Junior Cards £35
Non Members - Adult £45, U16's £40
Return Only - £25
For more information CLICK HERE
All travel with the Cards Trust is subject to the Cards Trust Travel Policy which is informed by legal and other restrictions. e.g. no alcohol is allowed on coaches. The policy can be viewed online on the website.
GOLDRUSH
Today’s Goldrush will be a hybrid of online and ‘at the ground’ sales.
The prize for the game against Dorking Wanderers on Bank Holiday Monday was £423, the winning ticket number was 00210 and the winner was John Moran from Woking.
400 CLUB AUGUST WINNERS
£100 Number 77 - Eddie Buckler
£75 Number 190 - Bill Sutton
£50 Number 76 - Derek Stevenson
To get involved contact john.hooker@cardstrust.co.uk.
SUPPORTERS’ AUGUST PLAYER OF THE MONTH
The Trust is collecting votes for the August Supporters’ Player of the Month award at today’s game and online. We are always looking for more help to collect votes, so if you can help, please contact: george.burnett@cardstrust.co.uk
JUNIOR CARDS BIRTHDAYS
Happy birthday from Woking Football Club, to…
September 1st - Amelie Mintram - 12 years old
September 3rd - Noah Jones - 6 years old
September 4th - Fin Ryan - 16 years old
September 16th - Zoe Hague - 8 years old
DAVID HARDY
A staunch and stalwart Cardinals fan & season ticket holder since his brother first brought him down to watch in 1957. The number of games he missed in the last 66 years could be counted on fingers. He used to plan family summer holidays around distant away games.
This afternoon will be the first of three dedicated matches for Cardinal memorials in 2023/24, celebrating and remembering supporters and associates of the Club that have sadly passed away recently.
Passed away on Friday 1st Sept after a short period of illness. He will be greatly missed by all but his grandsons, who joined him for every game, will keep his presence alive in continuing to support The Cardinals.
STEPHEN MATTHEWS
Steve sadly lost his short battle with cancer on Boxing Day 2022. He was a lifelong Woking supporter and at early ages introduced his son Rob and daughter Katie to the Cards, every year hoping for promotion to the Football League and a good Cup run. Steve passed away shortly after the final whistle of our 2-1 Boxing Day derby win.
IAN HAMILTON
Ex-player Ian Hamilton passed away earlier this week.
Hamilton began his career with Southampton, switching to Cambridge United in 1988 and then Scunthorpe United later that year. He amassed more than 140 games in an Iron shirt before a
Even as he lay in hospital, he continually asked for score updates. The New Years Day result was such a gift to the whole family knowing how happy he would have been.
Steve leaves behind his two grandsons, Charlie and Leo. They are both already Woking supporters and will follow in their ‘dumps’ footsteps cheering on the Cards! six-year spell at West Bromwich Albion He went on to turn out for Sheffield United, Grimsby Town, Notts County and Lincoln City, before finishing his playing career with the Cardinals in 2003.
RAYMOND NOWELL
Husband of lifelong supporter Carole Nowell, passed away on 15th July 2023.
JAX WOODLEY, 4 | MAX MENDIS, 6.
JAX’S FAVOURITE PLAYER: DAN MOSS
MAX’S FAVOURITE PLAYER: JOSH CASEY
They became good friends at Premier Pre-Academy and both support Woking, but in the Premier League they cheer on Arsenal and Chelsea respectively.
Principal Contractors ~ General Builders ~ Roofers ~ Landscapers ~ Plumbers ~ Joinery & Carpenters ~ Homeowners
TO YOU LOOS LIMITED provide site toilets with the following :-
Flushing chemical portable toilets (no mains required) with sinks or sanitiser units
Toilets are emptied and cleaned by ourselves weekly as standard, inclusive of chemicals and consumables, with additional services available on request
TO YOU LOOS LIMITED provide toilets for Fetes, Parties, Shows, Weddings, Horse Trials and all manner of Public and Private events with the following:-
Modern flushing chemical portable toilets with hand sanitiser units, accessible units with baby change and urinal modules also available
Comprehensively prepared units before delivery and full set up on site in agreed location / locations, inclusive of consumables and chemicals
Attendance / additional servicing during the event to keep units fresh and clean where requested
Full Public Liability Insurance
Please note the toilet units must be located no more than 8m from where the truck can park in order to be serviced and each unit is circa 1.2m square (4’ x 4’) so please check the access route to where you wish the unit to be sited.
MANAGER: DARREN SARLL
WOKING FC SOLIHULL MOORS FC MANAGER: ANDY WHING
REFEREE AARON FARMER
ASSISTANT REFEREE 1 RYAN HEAD
ASSISTANT REFEREE 2 RUSSELL JONES
FOURTH OFFICIAL STUART SMITH
PHILIP KNIGHT
Click here an hour before kick-off for the starting XI
