Former Coventry City academy product Cian Harries has today joined National League outfit Woking following the expiration of his contract with Aldershot Town, as revealed on the club’s official website.
A player who has plenty of experience in the EFL it’s a rather shrewd signing by Michael Doyle and one which should help the Cardinals enjoy a better season next term than the one they did this time around. Woking would slump to a 17th place finish, which was bitterly disappointing following on from the season prior where they’d finish 3rd.
They’ll be hoping for far better next term and the signing of Harries emphasises the direction the club want to go in. He’d be a regular in the Aldershot team who would only just miss out on a play-off spot this season, starting 40 of their league games. With over 60 games in the EFL to his name as well, he brings significant experience to a side who require it.
Harries would begin his career with Coventry City and was highly thought of during his earlier years. A product of the Sky Blues’ academy, he’d turn out for the senior side 17 times, nine of those coming whilst the club were in the third tier. His performances wouldn’t go unnoticed and he’d sign for then-Premier League side Swansea City, though he’d turn out just two times for the Swans, both of those coming in the Championship.
More recently, he has applied his trade for Bristol Rovers and Swindon Town, but really struggled for game time with the latter. The move to Aldershot certainly got his career back on track and he’ll now be looking to kick on with the Cardinals.
Speaking to club media about the defender’s arrival, manager Michael Doyle would say:
“Cian Harries is a great signing for this football club. We’ve known him for a long time dating back to our [Doyle and Assistant Manager Ben Turner] time at Coventry. He’s had a great season last year. He’s a ball-playing centre-half and will be a key player in the backbone of how we play.”
Their time together at Coventry was no doubt what helped the move to happen and Harries will be hoping to repay his new manager’s faith in him and help Woking move further up the table next season.
Writer’s View
After impressing during his early days with Coventry, the move to Swansea didn’t by any means help his progression and it might be a move that the defender regrets. Nonetheless he’s still displayed some of his early potential and had a good year with Aldershot last term.
Woking have announced a number of signings today and seem to really be attacking the off-season. With this set to be Doyle’s first full season in charge, they’ll be expected to progress and it would come as no surprise to see them in the play-off picture.
Harries will almost certainly play a key role and will likely be one of the starting defenders on the opening day.
Senior Editor
