OVERVIEW
Last month, Hertfordshire based Boreham Wood secured an immediate return to the fifth tier after relegation on the final day in 2024. Last season was their first at the level in ten years after a National League decade which boasted three playoff campaigns with the most recent coming in 2023. Their first was the closest they’ve ever been to EFL promotion with a narrow defeat to Tranmere Rovers in the 2018 final after beating both AFC Fylde and Sutton United on route, the other two campaigns ended in Semi-Final defeats. After a sixth-placed finish, little would have predicted The Wood to be in a relegation scrap but 12 wins from 46 and a run of six straight defeats in March left them needing a victory on the final day at home to Ebbsfleet United who knew they’d be safe without defeat, a nervy goalless draw determining both teams’ fate.
2024/25 SEASON
With Luke Garrard’s resignation bringing an end to his nine-year spell in charge, Ross Jenkins picked up the baton which began in promising fashion with three wins from their opening four. However, following four without a win, the Wood and Garrard surprisingly linked up again only five months after his departure with Jenkins given the boot. His second tenure began with a 6-0 rout of Welling United and despite a slight downturn in form, a win over Truro City on 12th November sparked an eleven game unbeaten run with just two draws. Their route towards promotion took another dint over the new year which included an exit from the FA Trophy and three consecutive defeats in March. However, a stellar end to the season followed with eight wins in a row and two 1-0 wins in the playoffs to lift the trophy.
Last Match – Sun 18th May – Boreham Wood 1-0 Maidstone Utd (48′ C.Clayden).
Boreham Wood XI – N.Ashmore, J.Richardson, J.Yarney (64′ C.Bush), C.Reynolds, O.Ilesanmi, T.Whelan, C.O’Connell, A.Abdulmalik (81′ J.Payne), J.Benton (84′ T.Marsh), M.Rush, C.Clayden (71′ K.Appiah).
Unused subs – C.Coxe, M.Sagaf, J.Dixon.
MANAGER
39-year-old Garrard first linked up with the club within the first three years of his playing career in 2005, on a free transfer for three months. After further stints with Northwood and AFC Wimbledon, the defender/midfielder rejoined on loan four years later and after signing permanently, spent five years and made over 150 appearances before starting his coaching career.
Since then he’s taken charge of 488 games, won 187 of those with his first promotion secured in 2025.
NEW SIGNINGS (TO BE UPDATED)
3rd June – Junior Dixon (Birmingham City).
1st July – Joe Newton (Solihull Moors).
2nd July – Aaron Henry (Charlton Athletic).
3rd July – Jeff King (York City).
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Three former players have ran out for both sides with goalkeeper Kevin Dearden and the versatile Miguel de Souza appearing in brief spells. During his Sheffield United days, two of George Broadbent’s loan spells between 2021 & 2023 were spent back-to-back at the two clubs.
The Sheffield United link continues with Dale’s 24/25 Player of the Season Kyron Gordon also joining the Wood on loan the season after Broadbent. He made just four outings under Garrard with a stint at AFC Fylde before signing for Dale in January 2024.
WE’VE MET BEFORE
Games Played – 2
Rochdale Wins – 0
Draws – 2
Boreham Wood Wins – 0
Our recent encounter – Dale 0-0 Boreham Wood (16 Apr 2024)
First ever encounter – Boreham Wood 1-1 Dale (19 Sep 2023)
Last Dale line-up – J.Chapman, K.Gordon, G.Nevett, E.Ebanks-Landell, D.Sassi, T.Sinclair (82′ S.Mather), R.East, H.Gilmour, D.Rodney, D.Mellor (60′ C.Hayes), K.Mitchell.
Unused subs – C.John, J.Keohane, I.Henderson.
MANGATA PAY UK STADIUM
Better known as Meadow Park, the 4,500 capacity ground has been their home since 1963. They currently share the impressive surface with Arsenal’s youth teams and was the main venue for housing the Women’s side up until the end of the last season with some WSL & Champions League games penned in for next year too.
The record attendance was set in a 2021 FA Cup meeting with near neighbours St.Albans City.
