Woking FC have parted company with head coach Michael Doyle and assistant manager Ben Turner following Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Gateshead.
Doyle, a former Coventry City and Sheffield United midfielder, was appointed in December 2023 and guided the club to a 17th-place finish last season, narrowly avoiding relegation. Despite his efforts, the Cards have struggled to build momentum this term, with just two wins in their last 17 league matches.
Club Statement
In a statement, Woking FC confirmed the departures:
“Woking FC has parted company with Head Coach Michael Doyle and assistant Ben Turner with immediate effect.
“We thank them both for their contribution to the club, in particular last season in helping the club avoid relegation. Plans are in place to move forward as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
The club, which has been in the National League since the 2019-20 season, previously reached the play-offs two years ago before losing to Bromley. However, this season’s form has raised concerns among fans, with frustration growing over results, the style of play, and frequent changes to the line-up.
Future Direction
The managerial change comes at a pivotal moment for the club. Woking is in the process of being sold to US businessman Todd Johnson’s Cardinal Football Group, with shareholders recently voting in favour of the takeover. The new ownership will likely influence the club’s plans moving forward, including the appointment of a new head coach.
Analysis: ‘Action Taken at the Right Time’
BBC Radio Surrey’s Tom Mitchell offered his perspective on the decision: “It feels like [Doyle’s] been fighting a losing battle for quite a while now. You look at the league form – two wins in 17 – Michael would know that simply isn’t good enough. The fans have been growing frustrated with those results, the style of play, and the frequent line-up changes.”
Mitchell credited Doyle for keeping Woking in the division last season but added: “I feel action has been taken at the right time, with Woking still outside the relegation zone – there’s still more than half the league season left.”
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
