DEFENDER Sam Habergham used the close season to ensure he was in the best shape possible when he joined up with his new Woking team-mates. 

Habergham, who trained briefly with the Cards in 2022 prior to signing for fellow Vanarama National League outfit Wealdstone, switched  officially to the Kingfield side last Saturday.

He told the News & Mail: “It was nice to get a break but I made sure I was back for the whole of June so I could get myself prepared and ready for what was ahead.

“I don’t like to switch off, I don’t like to stop, so I think I was in the gym two days after the season had finished. 

“I wanted to make sure I could hit the ground running, and hopefully I’ll continue to build my fitness in pre-season.

“I noticed when playing against Woking last year how fit all the boys in the team were, and much they could run. 

“So I knew coming here there would be some really fit boys – and that’s rung true.” 

Habergham, 31, is an experienced and versatile player who clinched promotion to League Two with Lincoln City in 2017 and lifted the EFL Trophy with them the following year.

The Norwich City academy graduate also turned out for Tamworth, Braintree Town, Grimsby Town and Australian side Penisula Power. And he is loving his time with Woking.

He said: “The boys have welcomed me in from the start, so it’s been a really enjoyable first few days and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. 

“I played with Browney [Rhys Browne] last season at Wealdstone, and I know a few of the boys from spending some time here last year.

“There are also quite a few  who I’ve played against numerous times, like Podge [Padraig Amond]. 

“I can’t remember how many times I’ve played against him over the years. 

“So I kind of half know Podge just through speaking to him during and after games.”

Asked what Woking fans can expect to see from Habergham this term, the former England C international said: “First and foremost, I always like to try to be consistent. 

“I want to make sure I’m good going both ways. I don’t just want to be good going forward and not defend. 

“I want to be a really good, solid defender and try to get forward and use my running power and athleticism as much as possible. 

“I’ve played in a variety of positions over recent years so I can also play centre back, left of a three if a formation change is required, left back or left wing-back.

“So hopefully I give a bit of variety to the team and the manager.” 

Habergham reflected on his time with Norwich and how he featured for England in the 2009 UEFA European Under-17 Championships.

He said: “When you love football, you just want to find a place where you can play it the most. We lived local to Norwich, so I signed for them at a really young age and went all the way through their academy system and signed a two-year professional contract at the age of 17.

“As for the Euros, we qualified, went over to Germany and played in the finals, and it was something to remember for the rest of your career. 

“As an Arsenal fan, I’ll always remember playing with Jack Wilshire. It was a real privilege to be involved with some brilliant players.”