Woking have named Craig Ross and Jake Hyde as interim first-team managers, tapping the duo to lead the squad through pre-season after their brief spell in charge earlier this year.

The pair, who stepped in during March 2026, now take charge again with the club’s opening fixtures looming and preparations still under way.

Ross and Hyde bring deep familiarity to the dugout. Both have overseen the first team before, and their grasp of the dressing-room culture and the club’s standards gives them an immediate edge in the current window.

Director of Football Jody Brown said: “Craig and Jake have been an important part of this football club for a long time.”

“They know the players and the environment exceptionally well. They have the full confidence of everyone at the football club, most importantly the players and support staff.”

“They’ll do everything to ensure the group gets to where it needs to be for the start of the season, providing the leadership and continuity we need.”

“I know they’ll have the full backing of the players and our supporters.”

What does this mean for Woking’s pre-season?

The interim tag keeps Ross and Hyde in place while the club finalises longer-term plans for the dugout. Their March 2026 stint ran smoothly, so continuity is the watchword this summer.

With the National League season still a few weeks away, the pair can focus on squad fitness and early tactical work without the distraction of a permanent appointment hanging over them.

Brown’s public backing signals that the club sees no urgency to rush a decision, trusting Ross and Hyde to keep the group on track.

Who are Craig Ross and Jake Hyde?

Ross and Hyde have spent years embedded at Woking, holding coaching and back-room roles before their brief spells in the hot seat. Their dual leadership mirrors the club’s preference for shared responsibility in transitional phases.

Both have overseen first-team affairs before, so the players already know what to expect. That cuts down on early-season friction and lets the squad concentrate on results rather than adjusting to new voices.

Their appointment also frees the club to take its time over a permanent hire, a luxury in a league where dugout stability can swing results.

How does this fit with Woking’s league standing?

Woking finished 10th in the National League last season with 63 points from 46 games, a record of 16 wins, 15 draws and 15 losses and a goal difference of plus-15.

They sit 45 points behind runaway leaders York and ended their campaign with a 0-1 reverse at FC Halifax Town on 25 April 2026.

Recent form reads LLWWD over the last five outings, with two wins, one draw and two losses, the most recent two defeats.

With the new campaign yet to kick off, Ross and Hyde have a clean slate to shape a group capable of closing the gap to the play-offs.