Woking have confirmed a major contract update this afternoon as full-back Dion Kelly-Evans puts pen to paper on a brand new contract at the football club, via a statement on their official website.
The 27-year-old joined Woking towards the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, linking up with former Coventry City teammate Michael Doyle (Woking’s manager) in the National League.
Speaking to the club’s website, manager Michael Doyle stated…
“I’m delighted to get Dion agreed for the upcoming season, Our form as a team picked up when Dion joined the club, and for me, he was one of our most important players during the 2nd half of the season. He covers so many positions and I’m happy he has decided to stay with us.”
How has he faired for Woking so far?
Kelly-Evans made 13 appearances for Woking last season, following his move from National League North side Banbury United. He played a crucial role in helping to keep the football club in the National League, despite spending the majority of the campaign in a relegation battle.
In terms of his in-depth statistics, Kelly-Evans averaged 10.4 ball recoveries for Michael Doyle’s side, making 4.2 interceptions and 1.9 clearances per 90 minutes, proving to be a reliable force at the back for the Cardinals last season.
What effect will this have on Woking’s pre-season preparations?
The full-back has played a crucial role for Woking since his arrival and following a hectic retained list, keeping hold of another defender is a major coup for Michael Doyle’s side.
The likes of Greg Taylor, Scott Cuthbert and Luke Wilkinson have all left the football club after their deals expired, which left plenty of gaps that needed filling heading into the summer.
With Kelly-Evans signing a new contract, it means there is one less position for Michael Doyle to worry about.
Is this the right decision?
Kelly-Evans has struggled to find a permanent home since his three-year stay at Notts County came to an end in June 2022, but under familiar territory, it appears as though the full-back is settled at Woking.
He is likely to be the starting right-back next season, which increases the amount of game time he is likely to receive and that will likely have a positive knock-on effect on his performances throughout the upcoming campaign.