Wood You Believe It? Boreham Wood’s Pre-Season Rollercoaster Gears Up for National League Action
Overview
Boreham Wood FC, based in Hertfordshire, England, secured promotion to the National League after defeating Maidstone United in the National League South Promotion Final on May 28, 2025. Under manager Luke Garrard, the club is preparing for a competitive return to the fifth tier of English football.
Known for their community ties and resilience, Boreham Wood aims to establish themselves as a solid National League side, with aspirations to push for playoff contention.
Pre-Season Schedule and ResultsBoreham Wood has completed seven pre-season friendlies, with one final match scheduled before the season begins. The pre-season has featured challenging fixtures against Premier League youth sides, EFL teams, and non-league opposition, providing valuable tests for the squad. All home matches were played at Mangata Pay UK Stadium, Meadow Park. Below are the results so far and the upcoming fixture:
Squad AnalysisKey Players
Managerial OutlookLuke Garrard, brings stability and tactical nous. His success in securing promotion last season demonstrates his ability to galvanize the squad. The new defensive signings address pre-season concerns, and Garrard’s pragmatic approach, combined with community engagement, will be key to navigating the competitive National League.
Expectations for 2025-26Boreham Wood’s season kicks off on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at home against Rochdale at 15:00 BST. Rochdale, who finished the 2024-25 National League season with 74 points (21 wins, 11 draws, 14 losses), suffered a heartbreaking 3-4 extra-time defeat to Southend United in the play-off eliminator on May 15, 2025, after leading 3-1. Devante Rodney (8’, 56’ pen) and Jay Bird (28’) scored for Rochdale, but Southend’s Nathan Ralph (22’), Tom Hopper (74’), Leon Chambers-Parillon (80’), and Charley Kendall (101’) completed a stunning comeback. This loss highlights Rochdale’s attacking threat, led by Rodney (17 goals in 2024-25), but also potential vulnerabilities in holding leads, which Boreham Wood could exploit with their strengthened defense. A mid-table finish (10th–14th) is a realistic target, but with players like Rush, Sousa, Clayden, and Henry, and Garrard’s experience, a playoff push (top 7) is possible if the new defensive unit gels quickly. The pre-season schedule, despite mixed results, has provided valuable experience against high-caliber opposition, setting the stage for a competitive campaign.This preview reflects Boreham Wood’s preparations for an exciting return to the National League, with a challenging pre-season and strategic signings and departures laying the foundation for the season ahead.
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Resources
Known for their community ties and resilience, Boreham Wood aims to establish themselves as a solid National League side, with aspirations to push for playoff contention.
Pre-Season Schedule and ResultsBoreham Wood has completed seven pre-season friendlies, with one final match scheduled before the season begins. The pre-season has featured challenging fixtures against Premier League youth sides, EFL teams, and non-league opposition, providing valuable tests for the squad. All home matches were played at Mangata Pay UK Stadium, Meadow Park. Below are the results so far and the upcoming fixture:
- Saturday, July 5, 2025: Boreham Wood 0-3 Luton Town (H). A tough start against an EFL Championship side, highlighting areas for improvement against top-tier opposition.
- Tuesday, July 8, 2025: Boreham Wood 0-2 Watford (H). Another Championship side proved too strong, exposing defensive vulnerabilities.
- Saturday, July 12, 2025: Boreham Wood 2-2 Arsenal XI (H). Matt Rush (2’) and Junior Dixon (83’) scored for Boreham Wood, with Alex Marciniak (11’) and Maalik Hashi (21’) replying for Arsenal’s U21s, showcasing the team’s attacking potential.
- Tuesday, July 15, 2025: Billericay Town 3-1 Boreham Wood (A). Elliot Long (14’, 53’) and Bobby Kelman (80’) scored for Billericay, with Aaron Henry (44’) netting for Boreham Wood, indicating a need for defensive solidity.
- Saturday, July 19, 2025: Boreham Wood 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur XI (H). Charles Clayden (47’, 60’) bagged a brace for Boreham Wood, with Reiss Elliott-Parris (76’) and Callum Olusesi (84’) equalizing for Spurs, showing resilience in a competitive draw.
- Tuesday, July 22, 2025: Maidenhead United 3-2 Boreham Wood (A). A narrow defeat against National League South opposition, reflecting a closely contested match against a side from their former division.
- Friday, July 25, 2025: Boreham Wood 1-2 West Ham United U21s (H). Erico Sousa (30’) scored for Boreham Wood, but Michail Antonio’s brace (3’, 22’) secured the win for the Hammers, underlining the threat of pacey attacks.
- Saturday, August 2, 2025: Dagenham & Redbridge (A), 15:00 BST. The final pre-season match against a National League South side, bolstered by the signing of Andy Carroll and a Qatari-backed takeover, offering a crucial test before the season starts.
The pre-season results (0 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses) indicate a challenging preparation period, with the team showing attacking promise through players like Matt Rush, Charles Clayden, and Erico Sousa but struggling defensively, conceding 17 goals in seven games. The upcoming Dagenham & Redbridge match will be critical for fine-tuning ahead of the season opener. Season ticket holders received free entry to two home friendlies, boosting fan engagement.
Squad AnalysisKey Players
- Matt Rush (Striker): After a successful loan from Sutton United, Rush’s move was made permanent in 2025. His goal against Arsenal’s XI (2’) and strong scoring record, including a loan spell at Maidstone United, make him a cornerstone of the attack.
- Erico Sousa (Winger): Scored against West Ham U21s, showcasing his ability to create and finish chances, vital for stretching defenses.
- Charles Clayden (Midfielder/Forward): His brace against Tottenham’s XI highlights his versatility and goal-scoring threat from midfield or wide areas.
- Aaron Henry (Midfielder): A new signing, the 21-year-old scored against Billericay, suggesting he could be a key creative force in midfield with his National League and EFL experience.
New Signings
Boreham Wood has bolstered their squad with several signings to prepare for the National League’s demands:
- Aaron Henry (Midfielder): A 21-year-old free agent from Charlton Athletic, Henry brings National League and EFL experience, including a loan at Wealdstone. His pre-season goal against Billericay highlights his potential.
- Joe Newton (Left-Back): The 24-year-old joins from Solihull Moors, known for his defensive prowess and National League Play-Off experience, adding stability to the backline.
- Jeff King (Right-Back): At 29, King arrives from York City, bringing experience to shore up the right side of defense.
- Matt Rush (Forward): His permanent move from Sutton United follows a successful loan, with his goal-scoring record a major asset.
- Callum Reynolds (Defender): A free transfer from Bromley, Reynolds adds defensive experience to the squad.
- Joe Rye (Defender): On loan from Barnet, Rye provides additional depth at the back.
Departures
Several players have left Boreham Wood, reflecting typical squad turnover:
- Josh Hare (Defender): Moved to Hornchurch FC on a free transfer.
- Kwesi Appiah (Forward): Joined Ebbsfleet United on a free transfer.
- David Agbontohoma (Defender): Transferred to Maidstone United on a free transfer.
- Tyrone Marsh (Forward): Signed with Bedford Town on a free transfer.
- Jayden Richardson (Defender): Moved to St. Mirren FC on a free transfer.
- Josef Yarney (Defender): Joined Macclesfield FC on a free transfer.
- Jeff King (Right-Back): Returned to York City after the end of his loan.
Managerial OutlookLuke Garrard, brings stability and tactical nous. His success in securing promotion last season demonstrates his ability to galvanize the squad. The new defensive signings address pre-season concerns, and Garrard’s pragmatic approach, combined with community engagement, will be key to navigating the competitive National League.
Expectations for 2025-26Boreham Wood’s season kicks off on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at home against Rochdale at 15:00 BST. Rochdale, who finished the 2024-25 National League season with 74 points (21 wins, 11 draws, 14 losses), suffered a heartbreaking 3-4 extra-time defeat to Southend United in the play-off eliminator on May 15, 2025, after leading 3-1. Devante Rodney (8’, 56’ pen) and Jay Bird (28’) scored for Rochdale, but Southend’s Nathan Ralph (22’), Tom Hopper (74’), Leon Chambers-Parillon (80’), and Charley Kendall (101’) completed a stunning comeback. This loss highlights Rochdale’s attacking threat, led by Rodney (17 goals in 2024-25), but also potential vulnerabilities in holding leads, which Boreham Wood could exploit with their strengthened defense. A mid-table finish (10th–14th) is a realistic target, but with players like Rush, Sousa, Clayden, and Henry, and Garrard’s experience, a playoff push (top 7) is possible if the new defensive unit gels quickly. The pre-season schedule, despite mixed results, has provided valuable experience against high-caliber opposition, setting the stage for a competitive campaign.This preview reflects Boreham Wood’s preparations for an exciting return to the National League, with a challenging pre-season and strategic signings and departures laying the foundation for the season ahead.
If you enjoy what you are reading, then follow me on X (Twitter) and Facebook for the latest blog info and general waffle!
Resources
- National League Official Website: https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/
- Boreham Wood FC Official Website: https://www.borehamwoodfootballclub.co.uk/
