Play-off challengers from relegation haunted: Woodley United’s turnaround is down to ‘outstanding mentality’

Woodley United’s change in form has been absolutely unbelievable.

They spent the best part of last season languishing around the foot of the Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Division One, only finishing above the drop zone by winning 5-0 at home to Oxhey Jets, whilst fellow strugglers Windsor dropped two points in a 2-2 draw with Eversley & California. This brought their total wins to 12 in 44 games.

When United met Brook House – who they beat 4-1 on their run to survival last season – again last Saturday, this time at Rivermoor Stadium, a 2-0 triumph made it 11 victories in only 14 matches.

The other three games were drawn, leaving Woodley United as the only unbeaten side in all three senior divisions of the Combined Counties League – an incredible achievement.

They have shocked most people, but when I asked manager Jordan Blake if he was surprised as to his team’s change of fortunes, he replied: “Yes and no”, and went on to explain: “I am surprised as to how well we have started, but then we have managed to build up a side with a good group of players.

“We brought in some good players during the summer, the likes of Kasper Hok, Troy Williams and Harvey Collins – they’ve all done well. A few of the players from last year had the experience of a season at our level, which has made a big difference as well.

“The group’s mentality has been outstanding. They’ve wanted to do the right things, attending training every week and listening to the management team, taking in what we are asking of them. What they have achieved so far is a credit to everybody.

“The players are buying into what we are trying to achieve, on and off the pitch, and being at a football club for the right reasons.”

“The group’s mentality has been outstanding”

But Blake is not getting carried away, repeating that well-worn cliché of ‘we are taking one game at a time.’

He continued: “We are enjoying it, but obviously, there are going to be twists and turns across the season for us. We want to stay as high as possible in the league, but we are conscious that there are some strong sides in the league as well.

“As I said earlier, our success so far is a credit to everyone at the club, the board of directors and the rest of the management team.

“The aim is to build on what we have achieved so far, and continue to have the right  togetherness, and see where we can get to come next April and May.”

One thing is certain: they won’t have relegation worries like they did last season.

Blake, however, must be showing some concern about a lack of discipline in his squad, as they saw a red card in the games against Molesey (Kian Leahy) and Brook House (Troy Williams). Yet, they still managed to win 2-1 and 2-0, respectively, reflecting the strength and determination of the whole Woodley team.

Jordan also plays and assists the management team at Reading Sunday League club BAPCO, who are also undefeated so far this season.