Welcome, Jon Benton!

Boreham Wood Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of talented attacking midfielder, Jon Benton. The 23-year-old arrives from Solihull Moors on a permanent basis and will wear the number 11 shirt for Luke Garrard’s side.

Benton kicked off his playing career with Southend United, coming through the youth ranks at Roots Hall and making his National League debut for the Shrimpers in February of 2022, a 22-minute cameo at home to Weymouth.

A loan move to Braintree Town would follow for Benton later that year, making 14 appearances and scoring on three occasions for the Iron. This preceded a return to his parent club, where he remained until the end of the 2022/23 campaign and made five more appearances under manager, Kevin Maher.

Prior to the beginning of last season, the attacking midfielder opted to leave the Shrimpers for fellow Essex side, Aveley. Benton featured 11 times for the Millers and, just like during his loan spell at Braintree Town, scored on three occasions.

A move back up to step one of the pyramid would follow for Benton, joining Solihull Moors in October of last year. He would make 25 Vanarama National League appearances for the Moors, including a full 90 in Moors’ home win over the Wood.

Benton would also feature twice for the Moors in the National League play-offs earlier this year, coming in the quarter final at home to FC Halifax Town and the final against Bromley at Wembley Stadium, his side ultimately losing out on EFL promotion after falling to defeat on penalties.

The advent of the current season saw the 23-year-old embark on another loan move, this time to fellow Vanarama National League South side, Maidstone United. Benton featured on 15 occasions for the Stones this season, scoring once in the process. His single goal for George Elokobi’s side was, however, a very important one with the 23-year-old netting the winner in a narrow victory over Hemel Hempstead Town last month.

Luke Garrard’s latest recruit brings with him a high degree of experience in both the Vanarama National League South and Vanarama National League, a high level of technical ability, creativity and great potential.