WOKING Women’s statement signing Helen Ogle says the target for 2023-24 is promotion.

The striker, 30, signed for the Cards from Fulham – and both she and her new boss Benson Miyoba are looking for Woking to build quickly on last season’s successes.

Ogle told the News & Mail: “I’d reached out to Benson to let him know I was interested in signing for the club. 

“Unfortunately I’m recovering from knee surgery following an injury I picked up towards the end of last season, so I haven’t been able to take part in the open training sessions. But he fully understood my position. 

“The care and support I’m receiving from Fulham has been incredible.

“They’re supporting me with my rehab towards a full return to playing. 

“Both clubs have been so supportive with my move, and I’m looking forward to playing closer to home.

“It’s been great being around the team in the short space of time I’ve been here. I know a few of the girls here already and everyone has been really welcoming.

“From what I’ve seen so far, everything about the club is really positive. The club have high standards and their ambitions align with mine. 

“The focus is promotion this season and I’m excited that I’ll be a part of working towards that goal. I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m an attacking player. I enjoy having the ball at my feet and getting into one-versus-one scenarios. 

“I generally play as a wide forward or as a winger, depending on the formation. But I can also play in a centre-forward role.” 

Miyoba managed the Cards to glory in the Southern Region Women’s League Chairman’s Cup and fourth place in Division One South last season. And he expects Ogle to spearhead a push for bigger prizes.

He told the News & Mail: “The most exciting thing for me with Helen’s signing is how passionate and committed she is to be playing a part in all areas of the journey we’re on. 

“For Helen, it’s not just about turning up on a Sunday and scoring the goals. 

“She wants to be a part of taking Woking into National League football, and that’s why it was an easy decision to say ‘yes’ when she suggested  she was interested in signing for us.

“It’s going to make a difference to the quality of our training and matchdays. 

“Having another leader in the group is important for us as we’re trying to promote youth coming through – and you can’t do that without leaders on the pitch. The experience Helen’s got will definitely help us.”

Ogle, who is a football development officer with the Surrey FA, spent the early part of her career with Fleet Town and has also played for Queens Park Rangers, AFC Wimbledon and Basingstoke Town.

She said a major highlight of her career  was turning out for Fulham in a London derby against the Dons at Craven Cottage last year. The guests prevailed 3-1 in the Capital Women’s Cup tie.

But Ogle said: “We played in front of more than 3,000 fans. 

“This was the first time the  Fulham women’s team had played at Craven Cottage since the side’s reformation in 2014, so it was special to be a part of that and all the excitement in the lead-up to the game.”