Boreham Wood FC are delighted to announce that highly regarded Manager Luke Garrard has agreed terms and extended his stay at Meadow Park for a further 3-years.
Garrard, who took over the reigns as First Team Manager in October 2015, had 6-months remaining on his existing contract at Meadow Park but himself and the Chairman concluded swift contract discussions on the eve of Wood’s historic FA Cup 3rd Round fixture to Millwall which will see Garrard remain at Meadow Park until at least the end of the 2023/24 season.
Since being given his first job in management by Chairman Danny Hunter in 2015, Garrard has surpassed expectations, establishing Wood as a top half National League side whilst guiding the Club to Wembley in the play-off final in 2018, beating a Football League side for the first time in the Club’s history in 2017 when we defeated Blackpool 2-1 at Meadow Park, as well as clinching a place in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup for the first time ever earlier this season, amongst many other notable achievements.
Garrard began his time at the Club over 15 years ago when he signed as a player at just 19-years-old during Wood’s memorable 2005/06 season; a season which saw the Club win the Southern League Division One East title and reach the semi-final of the FA Trophy. However, limited game time meant Luke was loaned to Northwood before signing permanently with AFC Wimbledon.
During his time at Kingsmeadow, Garrard continued his coaching responsibilities with the Club’s renowned BW PASE Academy, before re-signing at Meadow Park mid-way through the 2009/10 season, initially on a temporary basis but later made permanent, as Wood won promotion to the National League South via the Ryman Premier play-offs.
During our time at National League South level Garrard was promoted from Academy Coach to Academy Director within the youth set up, whilst continuing his playing responsibilities under then-Manager Ian Allinson, whilst also being named Allinson’s Assistant Manager in the latter stages of our 5-year stint at step 2 level.
Chairman Danny Hunter, who has worked closely with Garrard during his 15 years at Meadow Park, had this to say on Garrard’s contract renewal, “What we have quietly achieved here consistently on our crowds and budget is I feel quite unique. Put simply we still have no debt, we still buy well, we still sell well and all of our players are here for the right reasons.
“I see Luke’s contract extension as simply another step to where we both want to be, not only as individuals, but as a Club and as a trusted institution within our Town and Community. In the last fifteen years as Chairman, I’ve only had my very good friend Ian Allinson and one of my best friends in Luke Garrard as my two Gaffers and I count myself to be a very lucky Chairman to have been blessed with those two fantastic individuals.
“A Chairman and Managers relationship is in truth the cornerstone to all good Football Clubs and to any long term and sustained success. That relationship leads to trust, to honesty, to patience, to good governance and to an understanding of the requirements that each individual might need and trust me mistakes and a bad run of results are allowed at times.
“It’s why our Football Club punches above its weight, it’s why it is consistent, it’s why I show patience and it’s why we are now a very comfortable National League Club at the level and it’s why Luke and all my staff must take all the credit.” Hunter concluded.
Upon signing his new contract at the Club, Garrard commented “I am excited to have committed to the Club for a further three seasons, it was a very easy conversation between myself and the Chairman, in truth it took us a matter of minutes to come to an agreement.
“I see a future at this Club and I believe the progression we have seen since being in the National League is astronomical. This place is in my blood and it goes deeper than just being a Manager, I see this Club as my family.
“The Chairman has been amazing to me, firstly giving me an opportunity five years ago but also showing belief in me by rewarding me with an extension. My deal is based on loyalty and a good old-fashioned handshake and that is something I respect hugely, we have ambitions at the Club and I hope together we achieve the unthinkable.” Garrard concluded.
Luke, from the Club and the fans, thank you for the memories and we look forward to having you at Meadow Park for at least the next 3-years!
OUR CLUB. OUR TOWN. OUR COMMUNITY.
