BOREHAM WOOD SIGN CHAMPION

Boreham Wood are delighted to announce the signing of sought-after midfielder Tom Champion on a one-year deal.

Champion began his career in the academy at Watford, but departed for Barnet in 2004 without making an appearance.

The midfielder helped the Bees to the then Conference title in his first season at the club, however departed later that summer for Bishop’s Stortford. The 31-year-old would make over 100 appearances for Bishop’s Stortford in a five-year spell with the club.

Spells with Braintree Town and Dartford followed, where he played a pivotal role in the latter’s promotion to the Conference.

On moving to Boreham Wood, Champion commented: “The project that is going on at Boreham Wood at the moment is something that I really want to be a part of.

“So naturally I am delighted to get things sorted, it has been a long summer of deliberating things and I am just delighted to get it over the line and excited for the pre-season to begin.

“I think that the vision of Luke Garrard was a big part in me coming to the club, I have known Luke for a long time and kept up-to-date with how he was doing at Boreham Wood and how he’s worked through the ranks there and how well he has done.”

Spells with Cambridge and a second stint at Barnet followed his time at Dartford, he would again achieve promotion to the Football League with Cambridge, captaining the side in their first season back in the division.

The midfielder spoke of his belief that his experiences in both divisions could be invaluable to the side.

He continued: “I think that I can bring with me my experiences from the Football League, and I have obviously spent a long time in the National League too. I know the League really well and have achieved promotion from it before.

“I am 31, but I feel as fit as I have ever felt, I feel that I can bring some energy to the team and obviously a bit of discipline and experience as well.”

Boreham Wood manager Garrard spoke of his delight at securing such a high-profile signing, stating: “He is a big signing, a big, big signing for us.

“Conversations started in early May and we have been flirting with him and his agent throughout the off-season.

“He brings with him a wealth of experience, a leadership and an understanding of this level. He was promoted with Cambridge and he can occupy two positions, and very well at that, I think that he will bring quality to both.”