Boreham Wood Football Club are thrilled to announce that long-serving First Team Manager Luke Garrard has put pen to paper on a three-year contract extension at the Mangata Developments Stadium Meadow Park!
Following his return to Meadow Park in September 2024, Luke transformed our fortunes after a turbulent start to life in the National League South. Under his leadership, the team’s results quickly improved and ultimately secured an immediate return to the National League through a thrilling play-off campaign. Garrard’s men came from 3-1 down to beat Dorking Wanderers 4-3 in the Eliminator, before a 1-0 semi-final win away at Torquay United and another 1-0 victory over Maidstone United in the Promotion Final sealed promotion back to step one at the first attempt.
Back in the National League for the 2025/26 season, Luke guided the Wood into contention for promotion to the EFL while also overseeing another memorable FA Cup run. Victories over League Two sides Crawley Town and Newport County saw the Wood reach the Third Round Proper for the fourth time in six years, the Newport win in front of a packed Meadow Park and broadcast live to the nation. The 2025/26 season also saw Garrard’s side lift the National League Cup after defeating West Ham United U21 on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 draw under the lights, becoming the first National League club to win the competition.
Luke’s side ended the 2025/26 National League campaign with a club-record 90 points and a fourth-place finish, earning a home Play-Off Eliminator against Forest Green Rovers and winning the tie 1-0 thanks to a Zak Brunt goal in extra time. The Wood then went into the lion’s den, defeating Carlisle United 2-1 in front of 14,000 supporters at Brunton Park to reach the Promotion Final at Wembley against Rochdale. Despite the heartbreak, Garrard’s three-year contract extension ensures the Club can continue building on an exceptional foundation ahead of next season.
Upon signing a new three-year deal at Meadow Park, Luke Garrard said: “I’m very happy to have extended my stay at the Club. It’s something that’s been discussed for the last few weeks, but the focus of the Play-Offs and promotion took the front seat.
“After yesterday, I knew I wanted to get it sorted as I witnessed a club and town unite and I know with this group of players we can really achieve our goals. We have been incredible this season and I’m extremely proud of everyone’s efforts. We now have a job to do and that’s to go one further next season.
“I want to thank the Chairman for his trust and support throughout the last year, and I look forward to improving on our success from this season. Lastly, I want to thank the fans. The support we have all received this year and again yesterday epitomises how special this club really is.
“I look forward to guiding this club for the next three years and bringing as much success as possible.”
Chairman Danny Hunter added: “Luke’s contract extension was always going to happen; we just didn’t know what league we’d be in and now we do. What Luke, the staff, and the players are doing is quite extraordinary and the football they play is a joy to watch. My friendship with, bond with, and love for Luke and his family go back well over two decades so, this was not a difficult negotiation for us, more like a father and son discussion.
“We both believe in the importance of family and in the importance of what we’re building, we know this group of players is special, and we love that they’re incredibly ambitious. They’re also fun, humble and a joy to have around our football club.
“Yesterday’s late defeat at Wembley was cruel, but it happens. We have no complaints and we wish Rochdale the very best of luck in the EFL. That said, we’re hungry to join them and we hope next season – if we work hard – it’ll be our turn. To do that, you need a great manager, great infrastructure, great staff, great players, and a competitive budget. I feel that we’ve got all five of those ingredients. With a few tweaks and a few additions, we’ll be ready to wipe our mouths and go again come August.”
Everyone at Boreham Wood Football Club is delighted that Luke Garrard has committed his future to the Club with a new three-year deal. With strong foundations firmly in place both on and off the pitch, we are thrilled to have the Gaffer on board for the next chapter of our journey.
