MATT Robinson says Woking’s ambition to challenge for promotion next season played a big part in him agreeing to sign for the club.

England C international Robinson, 29, skippered Dagenham & Redbridge to tenth place in the Vanarama National League last term, while the Cards enjoyed their best campaign in 25 years and finished fourth.

The former Leicester City academy product will officially join the Kingfield outfit on July 1, on a two-year contract. He spent time with Woking in 2015-16, on loan from Luton Town.

He told the News & Mail: “All the fans know what Woking did last season, and that was part of the attraction of coming here – that I was joining a team that has ambition and a good squad that I could add to.

“I won’t go as far as to talk about my personal ambitions yet – I need to see where I fit into the team first. But my main ambition is to be part of a team that gets promoted.

“The manager [Darren Sarll] was very thorough when I met him. He came across really well and I’ve played against his teams before and I know what they’re about. I certainly know what Woking were about last season because they beat us twice.

“The gaffer had done his homework on me, and that was a very positive insight into how he works. From there it was just a case of finalising the day to do the medical and sign.

“I’d played for Woking previously so I knew fairly well what the club are about. It was a part-time team then so the ambitions have definitely changed. But I’d say the important things, the structure, the fan base, they’re all still thriving, so it was quite an easy decision to make.” 

Robinson officially leaves Victoria Road next week, after seven years. He made 251 appearances for the Daggers, scoring 22 goals.

“We failed in our objectives last season, which ultimately cost the gaffer, Daryl McMahon, his job,” said Robinson. “We’d done a lot of good things but inconsistencies, especially defensively, cost us what could have been a play-off place.

 “And I’d be lying to myself if didn’t say I had a dip in form, which was primarily due to a personal loss. My best friend died from cancer, and I think a majority of people would probably struggle in the workplace if that happened. I tried to be as professional as I could, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t something that affected my game.”

“I’m very enthusiastic about getting going with Woking and meeting up with the lads. I know a few of them from previous spells at other clubs – Scott Cuthbert, but I never really played with him because I was on loan here and he was playing at Luton, Luke Wilkinson and Padraig Amond.

“I played with Amond when I was on loan at Grimsby Town, but even after just a month with him I knew what a good guy he is.

“I’m hard working – I think that’s probably what caught the gaffer’s eye. I’m good with both feet and I’ve got an eye for goal. I’m fairly good in the air and combative as well, so I’d say I’m a good all-rounder.” 

Robinson grew up a stone’s throw away from Leicester’s previous ground, Filbert Street, and was scouted by the Foxes’ academy as a seven-year-old.