Founded in 1887, Woking are nicknamed the Cardinals—or simply the Cards—after the cardinal red of their kit. The colour is said to allude to the story that Thomas Wolsey was staying with Henry VIII at nearby Woking Palace in 1515 when he received word from the Pope that he had been made a Cardinal.

The club joined the Isthmian League in 1911–12 and lifted the FA Amateur Cup in 1957–58. After relegations in 1982–83 and 1984–85, the club rebounded with three promotions (1986–87, 1989–90, and 1991–92), climbing to the Football Conference.

The 1990s marked a golden era: Woking won the FA Trophy three times—more than any surviving club (equal only to the tally of defunct Telford United and Scarborough)—and finished Conference runners-up in consecutive seasons, though promotion slipped through their fingers. They remained in non-League’s top tier until relegation in 2008–09.

After promotion in 2011–12, they dropped again in 2017–18, but bounced back immediately via the play-offs. That same 2018–19 season, they reached the FA Cup third round, beating Torquay and Swindon before bowing out to Premier League Watford.

Most recently, Woking finished fourth in the National League in 2022–23 but were knocked out in the play-off quarter-finals by Bromley.

FA Cup Glory

1990/91 season saw the Club become part of FA Cup folklore. Entering the competition at the Fourth Qualifying Round, they beat three Conference sides to set up a Third Round tie away to West Bromwich Albion. Recovering from being a goal behind, Woking triumphed 4-2, thanks to a superb team effort and a never-to-be-forgotten hat-trick from Tim Buzaglo. The reward was a match against Everton. The tie was switched to Goodison Park and, against a team packed with internationals, the sides were separated only by a solitary Kevin Sheedy goal. Over 34,000 people remained in the ground to give the players a rapturous standing ovation.

Neal Ardley is a well-established figure at this level, with over a decade of managerial experience in the EFL and National League. As manager of AFC Wimbledon, he led the club to promotion to League One in 2016—a fitting triumph, given that he had spent 11 years as a midfielder with the original Wimbledon club.

After six years leading the Dons, Ardley took over at Notts County in November 2018 but was unable to prevent their relegation from League Two. Despite a creditable performance in the following season—where County, finishing third in the table, were defeated in the promotion play-off final by Harrogate Town —and a strong performance the year after (where the team would eventually finish fifth and again make the play-offs), Ardley was sacked in March 2021, and replaced by Ian Burchnall. 

Ardley went on to spend two seasons with Solihull Moors and a brief spell at York City. He arrived at Woking in December 2024, succesfully revitalizing a team that had a difficult start to their season – losing only one in the first 17 matches under his charge.

Respectably, upper-mid table, by late December the Cards had won 8 out of 24 league games played. with a small positive goal difference. More to the point, this reflected a steady recovery after a slow start to the season, during which Woking spent several weeks in the relegation zone. This was in part explained by the ordering of fixtures, with several of the leading contenders for promotion playing Woking in the opening weeks of the season. A 5-0 victory over Gateshead in September strengthened the Surrey team’s goal difference. This result apart, the team’s performance has generally been sure and steady.

The Cards were most recently in Nailsworth in February 2025. Shortly after Woking went ahead in the second half, Jordon Garrick scored an equaliser, ensuring points were shared, at 1-1.

This season’s away fixture at Kingfield in September 2025 was a 2-0 victory for Rovers, with Jayden Clarke and Tom Knowles both finding the net.

Forest Green Rovers F.C. – The New Lawn, Another Way, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL6 0FG

Parking is available in the adjacent school car park, just a short walk from the stadium. Spaces cost £15 per car and must be booked in advance by calling 0333 123 1889 (Monday, Thursday and Friday at 11am to 2pm) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.

The Park and Ride service does not run for evening games, and there is no public transport in Nailsworth after evening games.

If parking on surrounding streets, please be considerate of local residents.

Rovers Raffle – organised by the Supporters Club to subsidise away travel, ground improvements, Women’s, Academy teams etc. Tickets cost £1 each (cash or card accepted) with winners announced at half time or check winning numbers here – Raffle Results – Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club

Fan Zone – Fan Zone to the right of the ground entrance, behind the North Stand. Open to home & away supporters. The Fan Zone has a food truck, bar, toilets and a large marquee with picnic benches and live music from about 1:30pm.

The Green Man  – Normally home fans only,  serves food and drink. Opens 12:00pm.

Gym Bar – Open again in the East Stand, and open to other home supporters after the match.

Club Shop – Opens 12:00pm. TNL is a cashless stadium. To find out about hospitality and events, please email hospitality@fgr.co.uk.