by John Mead.
The strength of Boreham Wood Football Club’s relationship with Arsenal manifests itself again just days before the campaign begins in the Vanarama Conference South. The exciting news is the signing of 19 year old Austin Lipman, Arsenal’s number 49, for a season long loan.
Austin has represented his country eight times at Under 16 and 17 level and has found the net fourteen times in fifty eight appearances for The Gunners development squads. That included a brace against Napoli at Meadow Park last season in the UEFA Youth League, a night that saw him excel for the Young Gunners.
The deal is superb news for the Club. Lipman has long been a target for Wood Boss Ian Allinson after taking the youngster on a short term loan last season. His impact then was immediate, not only scoring on his debut, but contributing to the sit up and take notice result of the season, when Wood demolished Chelmsford City 0-6 on their own patch.
That result led to the demise of The Clarets manager Dean Holdsworth and everybody present on the day saw the impact the 18 year old had on events. He went on to appear twice against Carlisle United in the F A Cup 1st Round and was so very nearly close to making history for the Wood.
Thereafter he went on to bag a brace against Berkhamsted Town before netting in a 0-5 win at Dorchester Town. His loan spell was terminated at the request of The Gunners, recalling him to duty.
Lipman has been very much a one man club player having signed for Arsenal at the age of eight and there are high hopes all round he can progress his career by joining ranks at Meadow Park whilst training full time with his parent club.
It has become crystal clear through Wood’s pedigree pre season matches that the standard of football in the Vanarama Conference South is such that young high profile professionals can benefit immensely from regular football at this level.
This has been ratified by Gaffer Ian Allinson who added, “ Bringing Austin Lipman into the squad is a win win situation for us, for Arsenal and most importantly for the player. Austin will get the opportunity to play regularly, which is sometimes limited given the sheer size of the operation at Arsenal. The beauty of this deal is that Austin will benefit from the first class training and care at Arsenal, which is second to none, whilst joining up with us for training sessions and on match days.
This is the kind of signing that excites and strengthens our position considerably as a squad. He can play wide on either wing and also through the middle, so it is a fantastic opportunity for all parties”
Austin is expected to join up for Wood’s last training session before Ian announces his starting eleven for Saturday’s match with Farnborough, closely followed by a tough trip to newly promoted Hemel Hempstead Town three days later.
Arsenal season ticket holders can monitor the progress of their young striker by taking up the clubs offer of half price admission to all Vanarama Conference South home matches.
It will be great to have The Lipman’s back in the stands cheering on the boys this season!
