By Jacob Greenwood

Football folklore suggests good results will come in the immediate aftermath of appointing a new manager. You only have to look at relegation rivals Kidderminster Harriers who, since appointing ex-Premier League manager Phil Brown on January 10th, have dumped Altrincham out of the FA Trophy and this weekend came from 2-0 down to beat Aldershot Town 4-2.

Of course, not all managerial appointments mean an immediate upturn in results, most notably at Woking this season where Michael Doyle is still waiting for his first win. Two draws and two losses came before an enforced winter break, created by the cold snap and Weston-super-Mare dumping Woking out of the FA Trophy in December. 

The lack of immediate bounce is a concern, but rather than hoping the current crop comes good, a mid-season overhaul is underway. Doyle’s side only sit outside the relegation zone by goal-difference, and with trips to Chesterfield and Oldham Athletic things could get worse before they get better, but Doyle will be hoping changes happening now turn the tide sooner rather than later.

Out with the old….

Alife Pavey (Braintree Town) and Greg Taylor (Kings Lynn Town) join Matt Robinson and Robbie Willmott out of loan to make space for signings that fit Doyle’s plans and fresh approach – a positive move but a sobering reminder of Darren Sarll’s failings in the transfer market, which ultimately became his undoing. 

Speaking on the addition of Taylor in July, Sarll was glowing about his potential but it’s clear to see the ex-Woking manager didn’t get the player he had expected: 

“I’ve waited very patiently to recruit for this position, and I hope supporters can appreciate the magnitude of this addition.

“Technically, he gives the squad a different balance as he is very comfortable on both feet. His character and resilience will add to an area that has been depleted since the end of the season and he adds so much to the wonderful central defenders already in the squad.”

Taylor’s signing was typical of the approach from Sarll and the club of getting experienced players in the building, but this been a key ingredient in this season’s disastrous form, with a mixture of poor performances from declining players and recurring injuries being all too familiar. 

And in with the new…

However, this blog is being written at what we all hope is a turning point. But what is the difference in approach? The recent signings are younger and have a lot to prove:

Dion Kelly-Evans is trying to secure regular National League football again after breaking his collarbone last season. 

Charley Kendall has had several loans from Lincoln City and will be looking for a fresh start – at 23, time is very much on his side. 

The same can be said about Lewis Walker who has bounced around clubs both abroad and at a higher level.

Jayden Luker comes highly related by Premier League side Luton Town and will be looking to show he can perform in men’s football having been solely in youth football up until now.

Brighter days ahead?

The four signings show a different profile of player and also nod towards a new formation. Those familiar with Doyle’s previous playing styles believe he prefers playing with wing-backs, which is likely to also prompt a shake-up of the squad. For example, could Akinola and Bradshaw end up in more natural positions? 

Either way, with (hopefully) a clear vision and plan, fans will be praying there are less square pegs in round holes.

With over two weeks since Woking’s last game, a lot will have been going on behind the scenes to make sure the drab defeat to Solihull Moors is a line in the sand. It might be a few more weeks before we see results come but one thing is for sure – the club will be in a better place by forcing change rather than sticking with the status quo. 

He’s been ruthless off the pitch with outgoings, and not been shy in bringing players in, but to turn the season around, it’s time for Doyle to banish the ghosts from the first half of the season and do it his way.

Images from wokingfc.co.uk. To view match day images visit the club’s official website.