SCOTT RENDELL'S shoulders are broad enough to run the Woking gauntlet after signing for bitter rivals Aldershot, says his new boss.
Cards fans are understandably fuming after coming together to raise £10,000 for his recovery from a serious injury.
The Woking faithful have seen their striker walk out and then into the home of their historic foes from across the county border.
Much of that annoyance steps from the support they gave the striker after his season was over before it got started.
He ruptured his cruciate knee ligament against Tranmere Rovers on the first day of the 2015-16 campaign.
Flooded
With the 29-year-old facing a battle to save his career, fans rallied and raised the money to pay his medical bills.
Supporters have flooded the internet with irritated responses to the free transfer, but Shots new boss Gary Waddock believes Rendell will cope.
Waddock had already lit the blue touch paper by snatching out-of-contract goalkeeper Jake Cole from Kingfield. And things are sure to be even frostier than usual when the pair meet next season.
Waddock, who signed Rendell on loan for the Shots when he was in charge at The Rec ten years ago, said: “I've really not got too much desire to get into all that. I know the clubs are big rivals but Scotty was in the market for a move and he was very keen. He was a free agent.
“That's the way football is sometimes. We wanted him, he's a goalscorer and, as we all know, they are worth their weight in gold.
“I'm really looking forward to working with him. He played under me at Wycombe and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can offer Aldershot.
“It's difficult, but their loss is our gain. He will be just fine, he's a strong character.”
Rendell and his new team-mates returned to pre-season on Wednesday and they play their first friendly game on Friday night with QPR visiting.
Valuable
In a busy week at The Rec, Waddock has confirmed that former West Ham coach James Rowe will assist him in the dugout next season.
The Shots, who added defender Anthony Straker to their ranks on Wednesday, have lost flying winger Rhys Browne to Grimsby. But the manager says he knew a while ago the six-goal attacker was off.
He added: “I've understood he probably wasn't coming back and that's why we signed Bernard Mensah earlier this summer.
“He can be a good, good player for us. He can play in Rhys' position and I think, if it comes to it, he can fill his boots. We're happy with where the squad is so far.”
