By Jacob Greenwood

After Woking’s first full season back in the National League was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, the league returned in October 2020 for a season (mostly) behind closed doors. The impact of playing without crowds had big financial consequences and despite funding grants from the Government, costs had to be cut. 

Ultimately it was a very disappointing season on the pitch, with Woking only picking up eight wins and 33 points across 42 games. However, with no relegation from the league due to the unique nature of the season, the pressure was off to a degree. 

Of the 39 players listed in Woking’s squad that season, many are still plying their trade at this level, but some went on to bigger things and others have swapped sports entirely. 

Sam Dalby

Watford loaned Dalby to Woking for 15 games that season, with the striker scoring once in his brief spell. After being released by Watford at the end of that season Dalby signed for newly relegated Southend United before joining the Wrexham ‘Hollywood’ project, where he spent two seasons with the club, notching 13 goals. 

At the beginning of the current season, Wrexham loaned Dalby to Scottish Premiership side Dundee United where he has made a promising start, with six goals in 13 games. 

Zach Robinson

Dalby isn’t the only player from that squad that is now playing north of the border. Zach Robinson joined The Cards on loan from AFC Wimbledon, earning nine starts and one sub appearance. His short spell at Kingfield was one of six loans from The Dons, with him also ending up playing in Dundee, but for Dundee FC not United. After scoring 19 goals across two seasons Robinson earned a move to Scottish Premiership side Motherwell on a two-year deal where he currently has two goals in 19 appearances, including a goal at Hampden Park. 

Sadly, Robinson picked up a season-ending injury in early December. 

Leo Hamblin

The pandemic presented a great opportunity for several youth players. Hamblin featured 10 times across the season and gained valuable experience. Upon leaving Kingfield he played for Carshalton Athletic before signing for Weymouth for the 2023/24 season. Hamblin is now a regular in The Terras’ side and helped them comfortably secure survival last season. 

Jayden Wareham

Wareham was another academy graduate that earned first team minutes that season, scoring two goals and two assists in 17 appearances. Chelsea saw potential in Wareham and signed the youngster on a two-year deal. As well as featuring in EFL Trophy and UEFA Youth League Wareham also spent time on loan at League Two side Leyton Orient, scoring two goals in seven appearances. 

Following his release from Chelsea Wareham signed for Reading where he’s picked up 20 first-team appearances, with two goals currently to his name for the League One side. 

Jonte Smith

Smith joined Woking towards the end of his footballing career and failed to score in his 15 Woking appearances. Smith played for 18 clubs across his career including Lewes, Cheltenham Town and Finnish side Kemi Kings FC. Smith’s final club was Northern Irish side Ballymena United where he found the net four times in 15 games. 

Smith has now swapped a football for a cricket ball, making his debut for Bermuda in December 2024. He has since featured six times against opposition including Argentina, Belize and Bahamas where he recorded bowling figures of 2 for 16. He follows in the footsteps of his father Clay Smith, who made 12 appearances for Bermuda. 

All images from wokingfc.co.uk. To view all images from the 2020/21 season, head to the official Woking website.