Cockerill deals the cards fresh hope

Glenn Cockerill has been given the chance to show his mettle as a manager and steer Woking away from the Nationwide Conference drop zone.

The former Southampton midfielder was placed in caretaker charge of the Surrey side following the end of Geoff Chapple's second spell at the helm this week. After leading the table in the second week of the season, the Cards have gone 11 games without a win and are one place off the bottom.

Chapple, who led Woking from the depths of the Ryman League to the Conference and to successes in the FA Cup and the FA Trophy in his first spell in charge, said: "The club has been in decline for three or four years, but I was not able to turn it around since I came back. At this moment, I think Woking need a new direction."

Chris Ingram, the Cards' chairman, said: "It's a very sad day. Geoff is an essential part of the history of this club. But we have collected only two points from the last 30 and things cannot carry on as they are, otherwise it will be certain relegation."

Cockerill, who made a playing comeback at the age of 43 in last Saturday's 5-1 defeat at Southport, said: "It's my job to turn things around. I don't know how long I'll be in this position, but hopefully I can start to get Woking back on track." That starts at home to second-placed Chester City tomorrow.