GREG Taylor has revealed one of the reasons he wanted to sign for Woking was the prospect of playing alongside vastly experienced team-mates.

Defender Taylor, 33, joined the Cards from Cambridge United on a one-year deal.

He made 267 appearances across League One and League Two for Cambridge, where he was captain.

On joining a Woking side already boasting former League stalwarts such as Scott Cuthbert and Padraig Amond, Taylor told the News & Mail: “Experience in a squad is always a positive, and this squad has got a lot. 

“It was a factor in why I signed. I wanted to be a part of that.

“The gaffer [Darren Sarll] got in touch with my agent and lives not too far from me, so we just met for a chat and a coffee.

“Darren told me what he wanted to do at the club and what his plans were and where I would fit in that.

“It was something that interested me and that was it really – I wanted to come down and sign.

“I knew a couple of the boys from about 11 years ago when I was at Luton Town with [fellow summer recruits] Robbie Willmott and Matt Robinson, so it’s a long time ago but it was nice to see some friendly faces. 

“I’ve played against the likes of Padraig and Scott for years, so I half knew of them too.”

Last season, Woking enjoyed their best league finish for 25 years when they achieved fourth place in the Vanarama National League.

And former England C international Taylor – who played a big role in Cambridge’s rise from the National League to League One – is aiming for even bigger success for the Cards in 2023-24.

He said: “The club had a really good season, and to build on that would be brilliant.

“So that’s my aim – to come in and try to help in whichever way I can.

“I’m looking for a positive season, that’s for sure.

“I’m a centre back now. I started my early career as a left back but made that transition about six years ago.

“So while I can play there and fill in if needed, first and foremost I’m a centre half who enjoys defending and tries to get on the ball when I can.”

Asked about his experience of playing in League One and League Two, Taylor said: “I find the higher you go, the more quickly you get punished for mistakes. 

“So you may get away with the occasional mistake at a lower level but the chances of getting punished for errors increases the higher up you go.”

Last season, Cambridge  arranged for a testimonial match in Taylor’s honour to be played against Premier League side West Ham United. 

Of playing in that game against his boyhood club and scoring a penalty, Taylor said: “West Ham came down and brought a really strong side. 

“It was an incredibly proud moment for myself and my family to have that. 

“The boys did wind me up before the match by saying if we had a penalty then I’d have to take it. I’m not really one for taking them but they kind of forced it on me and I put it away. 

“It was a really great experience and a moment I’ll always look back on.

“But hopefully I can have a few more positive and special moments going forward.”