WOKING legend Geoff Chapple believes injuries to key players hampered the club’s hopes of promotion this season. 

During his first spell as the Cards’ boss, from 1984 to 1997, Chapple masteminded the FA Cup giant-killing of West Bromwich Albion and led his men to glory in three FA Trophy finals.

Analysing Woking’s 2022-23 campaign – which ended with defeat by Bromley in the first stage of the play-offs – Chapple, 77, told the News & Mail: “You need a bit of luck at the death. You need to be injury-free. 

“Everybody gets injuries, but we had ours at the most crucial of times [the play-off clash], and key players were taken out of the team just when we needed them in it.

“But the season was excellent. I was talking to the manager [Darren Sarll] the other day and said ‘Our first objective was to get into the play-offs, and we achieved that – so we’ve got to be happy’. 

“Obviously it’s disappointing not to have gone further at the very end. But just as our form was tailing off, unfortunately Bromley were on a great run and thoroughly deserved to win on the night.” 

Reflecting on Woking players he enjoyed watching this term, Chapple said: “You never want to single anybody out. But in any team, everyone will have their own favourites.

“At the back, Scott Cuthbert has been a real leader. I like watching Pádraig Amond – he’s what I call a craftsman – and James Daly is, for me, a game changer. Not too many teams have game changers, but he’s certainly one and he could even get better.”

For more on the Cards, see the 18 May issue of the News & Mail - in shops now.