The January window transfer window has now ended. Although National League clubs are still able to make signings, most of them are still much more active in January as it is an opportunity to sign players from EFL clubs.
With new manager Michael Doyle appointed at the end of January, Woking have certainly been busy. The club have not shied away from spending and allowing the new man to build a side suited to his system.
04/01/24 – Morgan Williams recalled
The first piece of transfer business for Woking was one that the club may not have had a choice in. Midfielder Morgan Williams was recalled by his parent club AFC Wimbledon after spending just over a month with the Cardinals. Williams didn’t make an appearance under Doyle, but in the games he played before his arrival, he impressed fans by adding a much-needed creative spark to the midfield.
At the time this seemed like a big loss for the club. He was the only real creative midfielder available, but was replaced adequately later in the month.
05/01/24 – Odusina Extends Stay
The first piece of news regarding signings or retentions was the confirmation of defender Timi Odusina remaining with the club for a longer period. The defender joined on loan from Bradford City earlier in the season and his loan was expected to expire in January. But The Cardinals took no time to extend his stay until the end of the season after the centre-back impressed when called upon
This was a bit of business that came as a surprise to some fans as he has looked very good for us with his pace and mobility complimenting our other defensive options. Most expected Odusina to return to Bradford to play under their new manager, to keep him is a good bit of business.
05/01/24 – Kelly-Evans signs
The first signing of the Michael Doyle era was a previous teammate of the manager, Dion Kelly-Evans. The right-back joined the club from National League North side Banbury United having been released by Boreham Wood earlier in the season. Kelly-Evans had previously played with Doyle at Notts County as well as breaking through the Coventry academy while Doyle was a player there too.
A signing that came as no surprise to most but a good one nonetheless. Kelly-Evans has been a fan favorite at several clubs and with his work ethic and heart-on-sleeve attitude it’s clear why. He brings tough competition for Dan Moss for the right-back position and adds strength in depth to the squad.
11/01/24 – Taylor Leaves On Loan
The first departure of a player contracted to the club was centre-back Greg Taylor, who joined Kings Lynn Town on loan until the end of the season. Taylor had played a large number of games in the early part of the season and looked impressive during pre-season after joining from Cambridge United. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite work out for Taylor, having struggled for form and failing to play a minute under Doyle, who eventually decided a loan move was best.
It was a tough time for Taylor at Woking. It never really clicked and he struggled often in matches, so it came to no surprise for most that he took a step down to the National League North to get more minutes as it became apparent he was not part of Doyle’a plans.
11/01/24 – Pavey Leaves On Loan
The second loan departure following Taylor on the same day was big money signing Alfie Pavey making a loan switch to Braintree Town until the end of the season. Woking had signed him from local neighbors Farnborough for a reported 35k after a strong start to the season in the National League South. Like Taylor, it didn’t quite work out for Pavey in red and white, having failed to find the back of the net since joining the club, which led to Doyle deciding he had to go on loan.
A move that was not working for either party, it makes sense for Pavey to reunite with his former club Braintree. He is on a multi-year contract at Woking, so most will be hoping he can find form for the National League South side and return next season to the club in fine form.
16/01/24 – Luker Joins On Loan
The first loan arrival of January came in the form of midfielder Jayden Luker, who joined from Luton Town until the end of the season. Luker is highly rated by Luton fans and is the creative midfielder signed to replace the gap left by Williams’s departure. This move is Luker’s first step into adult football but Doyle and Luton both feel he is ready for the step up.
So far Luker has been an impressive addition to Woking. A very technical midfielder who has great passing range, he adds energy to the midfield as well as the ability to break defensive lines. a signing that looked a risk but so far is paying off for Doyle and his men.
17/01/24 – Walker Signs
The next bit of business was the return of a familiar face in the form of striker Lewis Walker, who had spent time on loan at the club and impressed earlier this season. The forward joined permanently from Gillingham in League Two as Doyle had stated previously in interviews that the forward options needed improving.
A deal that sits well with most of the fanbase, Walker had shown he had ability earlier this season, scoring once in four appearances and showing off impressive hold-up play. since signing he has started every match, showing Doyle’s faith in him, and although yet to find the back of the net has improved the side link-up play well and is proving to be a good addition.
18/01/24 – Kendall Signs
A signing that came as a surprise to most, striker Charley Kendall signed for the club permanently for an undisclosed fee. He had spent the season on loan at fellow National League side Dagenham & Redbridge where he managed three goals in 23 games, but mainly appeared off the bench.
Kendall adds another option to the squad in terms of attacking threat. Never given full trust in the National League when on loan but in the National League South, he was a goal machine for Eastbourne Borough. He brings pace and work rate to the side and gives Doyle a different type of option to Walker.
23/01/24 – Amond Departs
Possibly the most shocking news of the window was the departure of striker Padraig Amond. The forward had made 80 appearances for the club and picked up 36 goal contributions, becoming a fan favorite at the club. Doyle later stated that the reason for his departure was to move back home to Ireland, which he since has done, signing for Waterford FC.
Amond hadn’t been at his best this season but it is a real shame to see a fan favorite depart the club but made sense as to why Doyle opted to sign both Walker and Kendall over the space of two days.
26/01/24 – Robinson Extends Loan
The next piece of business has been slightly controversial around the Woking fanbase as some wanted him to return but some weren’t too keen on the idea. Midfielder Matt Robinson extended his stay on loan away from the club at Boreham Wood until the end of the season. Signed in the summer with high hopes, Robinson failed to get going under previous manager Darren Sarll, who eventually loaned him out until January. Many thought Doyle would look to give him a chance at the club but instead, the decision was for him to stay out on loan.
Robinson and Sarll was never a combination that seemed to work from minute one, but since joining Boreham Wood on loan has been impressive. It is a shame to not see him back at the club playing in red and white but since the club has brought in some new faces that has made this matter slightly much less.
27/01/24 – Dyche Joins On Loan
A signing that was announced in the line-up against Oldham. Centre-back Max Dyche joined the club on a loan deal from Northampton Town until the end of the season. The defender went on to have an impressive debut and filled a gap fans have felt we needed to fill in the defense for some time now.
With a presence at the back and bringing some youth to the back line which fans have felt the club has needed for some time, Dyche seems like an excellent signing and a top bit of business by Doyle. He played for Rivals Aldershot earlier this season on loan but if he continues to impress I’m sure Woking fans can look past that.
31/01/24 – Bradshaw And Boateng Return To Parent Clubs
Next up came a double loan departure, with midfielder Zak Bradshaw returning to Ipswich Town, and winger Nana Boateng returning to Millwall. Bradshaw later went on to sign for League One side Lincoln City, after starting his loan spell at Woking well but towards the end found minutes hard to come by, and Boateng returns to Millwall after picking up a foot injury, which has kept him sidelined for several months already.
It comes as no surprise that both players have left the club. Bradshaw was rarely called upon in recent weeks due to the return of players from injury and new signings, and Boateng hasn’t played since October, so the decision to let both go to free up space in the squad seems a no-brainer for Doyle.
01/02/24 – Edwards Signs
The second to last bit of business and one that was no secret was the arrival of midfielder Curtis Edwards from Norway. the 30-year-old played under Doyle’s former manager Ian Burchnall during his time in Sweden and has moved to the Cards upon returning to England. An experienced head with European experience, he joins as a bit of an unknown giving fans a reason to be optimistic.
Edwards is a profile of the player the club needs, an experienced midfielder who is comfortable on the ball. It suits Doyle’s style of play and the gaffer sees something in him, it’s one that on paper looks like a great bit of business and fans will hope he is as good as some feel he is.
02/02/24 – Smith Signs
The final piece of business done by Michael Doyle and Woking which came just after deadline day was the arrival of midfielder Josh Smith from Sheffield United permanently. The attacking-minded player played a big part in the Sheffield Utd academy, captaining them at u18 level. still only 19 now he makes the permanent switch to Surrey as his first step into adult football.
Similar to Jayden Luker, Smith is a risk, especially considering he is a permanent deal, but Doyle seems to see something in him and so far he hasn’t gotten anything wrong. A signing that yet again has huge potential and could be a breakout star, fans will be hoping he can bring his academy form to Kingfield and push them up the table.
Conclusion
It feels quite obvious that the business done by Woking in January could be considered as a success. The offloading of some fringe players and favor of senior players have made room for several exciting arrivals which seem to have improved the club already.
Doyle seems to have a style he wants to play and is recruiting players who are good on the ball and have a lot of composure. If he manages to keep the side up this season it is setting up to be a promising reign for the newly appointed manager going forward.