Playing at Woking ‘a big part of our downfall’ says United captain

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Hayes & Yeading United captain Sam Cox believes two seasons of ground-sharing at Woking has cost his club on and off the field.

Cox labelled the pitch at Kingfield – struggling under the weight of hosting two teams – the ‘worst in the league’ and blamed it for wrecking his side’s passing style.

He also sympathises with supporters who have had to make the trip to ‘home’ matches – but has urged them to stick by the club as they prepare for a move to the Sharda Glass stadium next season.

“Playing at Woking has probably been a big part of our downfall,” Cox told West London Sport.

“When the pitches were good at the start of the season we were able to pass teams off the pitch and we were doing well.

“But when winter arrived it started getting boggy and it’s probably now the worst pitch in the league – and that’s not what you want when you’re a passing side.

United’s home record this season:
Played 17
Won 8
Drawn 4
Lost 5
Scored 32
Conceded 25

“I feel for the fans with the money they have to spend to get to home games.

“When we’re playing at our own ground it will just be us playing there and we’ll be able to keep the pitch how it suits us.”

Although United are yet to confirm it with the Conference, the skipper insisted the squad had been told the club’s much-delayed new home would be open for business by kick-off in August.

He also revealed the ill-health of club stalwart Phillip Spurden, who died this week, was behind a week’s delay in paying players’ wages.

Cox said: “Philip was normally in charge of the money and he got very ill just before we were due to get paid so obviously there was a delay.

“The lads were understanding of the situation and took it on the chin.”

And in a rallying call to the club’s fans, Cox promised better things to come next season.

He said: “We’ve got a young team and it’s our first season playing together.

“The support is always appreciated by the players and management. Once we get into that new stadium there’s definitely good times ahead.”

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