Woking ended the 2025/26 campaign by securing their first top-half finish in three seasons, with work now commencing ahead of pre-season.
The Cardinals have undergone a change in management, which appeared to coincide with an upturn in form thus earning them a top ten finish, though they did end up 18 points behind Forest Green Rovers in seventh.
Since March, Woking have lost just two of their 15 games, ending the campaign as one of the division’s most impressive teams and fuelling excitement ahead of next season under the guidance of Jermain Defoe.
Now, attention turns to their retained/released list ahead of the upcoming transfer window. You can access all of the confirmed National League retained lists so far, here.
Woking confirm retained list
As mentioned, the form of the Cardinals has potentially created a series of difficult decisions for both Defoe and his out-of-contract players ahead of next season.
Before the upturn in form, Woking were staring down the barrel at a third consecutive bottom-half finish – but have instead ended it by finishing in the top ten, meaning a good summer window could put them in play-off contention.
Therefore, Defoe may have been made to rethink decisions regarding certain players, whilst individuals may be thinking twice about leaving the club after their form in recent weeks.
During the turn of form, one player whoB certainly played his part was full-back Aaron Drewe, with the 25-year-old providing two goals and four assists during those games.
His contract is set to expire this summer, though Woking have confirmed via their website that he is one of six players that has been offered a new deal by the club.
The full list is as follows;
- Harry Beautyman, Roy Syla, Jake Forster-Caskey, Aaron Drewe, Timi Oduaina & Tunji Akinola
Whether they all opt to stay with the club remains to be seen, though the likes of Drewe, Beautyman and Akinola were regulars for Defoe.
Are the play-offs a reality next season?
Only Southend United, Boreham Wood and York City picked up more points than Woking did since the start of March, averaging 1.67 points per game. That amount over a 46-game season is 77 (76.82) points, which would have had them narrowly outside the top seven.
Similarly, Woking’s retained list also confirmed that key individuals such as goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen, defender Chin Okoli and playmaker Matt Ward are already contracted ahead of the new season.
Given the form of Defoe, his reputation amidst possible transfer targets and the possibility that some of their key out-of-contract players (like Drewe) could stay – Woking have the opportunity to try and compete for the top seven positions for the first time in three seasons.
Over the last two campaigns, York City have dominated the title race in comparison to the other 23 teams. With them now having been promoted, there is a possibility that the race for promotion is more open next season, meaning a side like Woking could find themselves in a great situation to try and compete.
