Boreham Wood boss Garrard signs contract extension

Luke Garrard is in his second spell as Boreham Wood boss [Getty Images] Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard has signed a three-year contract extension, one day after his side narrowly missed out on promotion to the English Football League. The 40-year-old guided the Wood to a fourth-placed finish in the National League before they beat Forest Green and Carlisle to reach the promotion final against Rochdale. They led the final 2-0 with 12 minutes to play at Wembley but Dale scored two late goals, including one in the final minute of stoppage time, before winning 3-1 on penalties.

"After yesterday [Sunday], I knew I wanted to get it sorted as I witnessed a club and town unite and I know with this group of players we can really achieve our goals," he told the club website. "We have been incredible this season and I'm extremely proud of everyone's efforts. We now have a job to do and that's to go one further next season.

" Garrard initially took over as manager in October 2015 before leaving in April 2024 when they were relegated to National League South. However, he returned just five months later and helped them secure an immediate return to the fifth tier with a win over Maidstone in the promotion final. The Meadow Park side, who have never played in the Football League, enjoyed an excellent first season back in non-league's top division, finishing with 90 points.

Garrard said Sunday's defeat, a second loss in a National League promotion final after being beaten by Tranmere in 2018, had left him "heartbroken". Boreham Wood's Garrard can't argue with 'football Gods' Rochdale beat Boreham Wood on penalties to seal EFL return