JERMAINE Anderson has thanked Woking fans for their support as he regains his fitness.

The former England under-18 and under-20 player suffered an Achilles injury against Chesterfield in February, but has signed a new deal which runs until the end of next season. He revealed his rehabilitation is progressing well, and he is now practising with a ball.

Midfielder Anderson, 27, told the News & Mail: “I’d like to say thank you to the fans for their support. I’ve seen the messages they’ve sent. I really appreciate it and I’ll be back as soon as I can.

“I’ve been working hard, doing a lot of rehab and just trying to get back fit and right, and taking that time off to work on myself. 

“I had a week’s holiday around my birthday in May but apart from that I’ve just been in the gym and trying to get better.

“My rehabilitation is going really well. I’ve been doing it in Harley Street in London over the summer, so I’ve been in good hands. I’m ticking all the boxes and progressing well – and everything looks really good at the moment. 

“I enjoy seeing myself get better and stronger. That’s the main thing. And it’s nice to be able to do more and more things.

“I’ve been practising with a ball – nothing too crazy, but you can’t keep me away from that ball for too long.”

Anderson praised the backing he has received from the club during his recovery.

He said: “I’m really appreciative of the gaffer [Darren Sarll] first and foremost, and [chief executive] John Katz and [director] Drew Volpe. 

“And the physio department have really helped me. I was in contact with them over the summer and they were checking in with me and seeing how I was.

“So I couldn’t ask for a better or more supportive team around me. It’s like one big family here.”

Asked whether a date has been set for his return to first-team action, Anderson – who made his senior debut for Peterborough United when he was 16 – said:  “No. I’m not too sure yet but I’m excited to get there and play for the team again.” 

Anderson made his debut for the Cards in December 2021, having joined from Aldershot Town.

He turned out 23 times for Woking last term and was a pivotal figure in the centre of their midfield. 

And he is thrilled to have penned his new contract.

Anderson said: “It’s great news. I love the club and I love the fans, so I’m happy to be extending my stay.

“Once the gaffer let me know that’s what he wanted, it was a no-brainer for me because I love being here.”

Reflecting on last season and looking ahead to 2023-24, Anderson said: “It was disappointing to go out the way we did in the play-offs [falling to Bromley at the first hurdle]. 

“Our season warranted a better result. But that’s how football goes and we’ll just use that in the new season as fuel to push even higher and work even harder to try to achieve our goals. 

“It’ll be an exciting season coming up.  We’ve just started pre-season. We’ve kept an important core of the squad together and we’ve got exciting new players who are going to add to what we already have.

“So it’s something to really look forward to this year.”