By Jacob Greenwood

A little over 40 hours separated Josh Parker’s 90th minute goal for Oxford City at Marsh Lane on Saturday and the confirmation that Darren Sarll’s reign at Woking had come to an end on Monday morning. 

Following a poor run in both the league and cup, he started Saturday in the last chance saloon. He ended the day past the point of no return with Woking sat 14th in The National League.

All too often Woking have gifted fellow strugglers rare wins this season, and the same can be said during Sarll’s final game in charge, and with some style. A horror show from Cards ‘keeper Will Jaaskelainen both gifted the promoted side a vital three points, and dealt a fatal blow to Sarll’s time in charge. Although an easy fall guy, this wasn’t just an issue with one player, the majority of the squad have looked lost in recent weeks.

Facing in-house media following the game, it could be suggested the ex-Yeovil Town boss knew the writing was on the wall. Seemingly more upbeat than in interviews after other recent defeats he talked about only a selection of players playing well in each game this season. 

It was a new line from Sarll who’d previously focused more on injured players not in the matchday squad and luck going against his side. Although these points ultimately came off as excuses, with numerous starting XIs being more than strong enough to pick up points, one thing was clear – Sarll has almost single-handedly fronted the criticism this season. 

Nobody can question how he has protected the players in his pre-match and post-match interviews. However, it was those players that ultimately failed to deliver, and in recent weeks the failure to turn up has cost Sarll his place in the Kingfield dugout. 

Other than standing to clap the fans from a distance far enough to ignore any dissent, the players have been anonymous during recent struggles, including online. The side don’t have the most vocal players on social media, but the silence has been deafening. 

At the time of writing, we are yet to see any players to come out and publicly thank the departing boss [happy to update this if we do]. After the support and bullets he took for them, it’d be nice to see some recognition, but potentially speaks to his relationship with those in the dressing room as he departs. When Woking face Oldham Athletic on Saturday, Cards fans will be hoping they do their talking on the pitch. 

As the sun sets on the Sarll era, fans have paid tribute to the outgoing boss, in collective agreement that last season was one of the best Kingfield regulars have seen, but what next? It isn’t new to suggest summer recruitment cost Sarll but any new manager inherits the same squad, the same injuries, the same issues. John Katz and Drew Volpe backed Sarll heavily and they will be hoping a fresh start in the dugout can reinvigorate the season. 

In his final interview Sarll claimed “the next good moment is usually just around the corner” and Cards fans will be hoping that is true for our season; and I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping he goes on to have many good moments in management, just hopefully not as an away manager at Kingfield. 

all photos courtesy of Woking FC. Go to wokingfc.co.uk to view all matchday photos.