NEW signing Robbie Willmott is hoping to play a pivotal role in the final third for the Cards in 2023-24.

Midfielder Willmott, 33, joined Woking from League Two side Newport County. At Kingfield, he has linked up with his former Exiles team-mate Padraig Amond. 

Willmott, a former England C international, told the News & Mail: “It’s been hard for me. I think people probably see that since I left Luton Town in 2012 I haven’t really scored that many goals.

“But over the past two or three years I’ve been having to play sort of like a deep-lying midfielder, which I don’t mind doing. But I want to create opportunities. 

“I like playing wide but I also like playing behind the strikers and linking up with them.

“So hopefully now I can just play in an attacking position and really create this season and make things happen.”

Asked how his summer had been, the vastly experienced midfielder – who has made more than 500 appearances since his debut for Cambridge United in 2007 – said: “I did a lot of fitness work, had some time away with my family and then, when we were away, that’s when I got the call from the gaffer [Darrren Sarll] here. 

“The approach came out of the blue. My agent got in contact with me while I was away and we sorted out a Zoom call with the gaffer and he completely sold Woking to me. After that it was a case of getting the deal across the line.

“The gaffer sold me on how he wants his team to work. It helps that Padraig’s here. He had nothing but good things to say. 

“And the club finished in the play-offs. They may not have had the finish they wanted  but to be able to make the play-offs is a massive achievement. So I just want to come in and hopefully build on that.

“It’s a good group of lads. They’ve helped me settle in and the transition’s been very easy. 

“No-one likes the start of pre-season but it’s nice coming somewhere new and getting to know everyone. And just getting back out on the pitch and kicking the ball is what everyone wants to do. 

“Unfortunately there’s a lot of running to do initially but that’s only going to stand us in good stead for the season.

“I played in the Vanarama National League in the early stages of my career and I think this season will probably be the widest open the league’s been.

“You’ve got the likes of Chesterfield, but Wrexham and Notts County getting promoted makes it really interesting.  

“I don’t think there’s going to be a real runaway leader. 

“In this division, anyone can beat anyone so it makes for a very entertaining season.” 

Willmott was asked what qualities a team require to challenge for promotion.

He said: “It’s consistency.  You can’t be putting one and two wins together, you’ve got to be pushing and going four or fives wins in a row. 

“If you have a blip, one or two games, you’ve then got to get back to your four- or five- win streaks. That’s what really gets you over the line, the consistency. 

“It’s hard because it’s such a long season. But that’s what we’re in the sport for and that’s why we love it.”