Mark Ricketts leaves Woking

When the then manager, Graham Baker, announced the signing of Mark Ricketts from Ebbsfleet United in 2009, there was no great fanfare or brash headlines to herald his arrival.

This, in itself, sums up Mark Ricketts. Self-effacing, never flashy and someone who always let his football do the talking on the pitch. Mark was straightaway appointed captain of Woking and right from the outset, became someone whose name would always be first on the team sheet, who commanded respect from his fellow players and who led by example, both on and off the pitch.

Mark very quickly became a fans' favourite with his no-nonsense, battling displays in midfield and this, combined with a calm assurance and presence, was instrumental in restoring pride back into the club following its relegation from the National League in season 2008/9.

As skipper, he was an integral part of the club's resurgence, going up as champions of Conference South, then following this with three top twelve finishes since being promoted back to the National League in 2012.

Throughout his time at Woking, Mark has been exemplary in the way he's conducted himself both on and off the pitch. Never one to boast about his achievements, Mark has been throughout all his time at the club, Mr Reliable and Mr Dependable. Who, for example, will ever forget him trying to go back onto the pitch to play again at Dartford after breaking his leg? This sums up his effort and commitment and will to win.

Mark has been a wonderful ambassador for the football club and his name will rightly be forever remembered alongside other legendary captains of the club, like Kevan Brown and Charlie Mortimore.

Mark 'Ricko' played 276 games for the Cards, scoring three goals, and won the Conference South in 2011/12, the Players’ Player of the Season & Fans’ Player of the Season in 2010 and the Woking News & Mail Player of the Season in 2013.

We thank Mark for all that he has done for and at Woking and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.