FORCE IS STRONG FOR LUKE AND WOOD

BOREHAM WOOD have tied highly-rated boss Luke Garrard down to a three-year contract with chairman Danny Hunter saying the 32-year-old is “like family”.

Garrard took his side within a whisker of promotion to the Football League last season after finishing fourth, and only losing out in the promotion final to Tranmere Rovers.

Hunter has revealed they have shaken hands on a new deal, but says expectations for the future have to be realistic.

He told the club’s website: “He’s in truth like my sixth son, and I’m very proud of him; his family are my family, and vice versa.

“But trust me, right now Luke doesn’t need any more pressure from me or anyone, as I believe he’s going into his most difficult season in football – as people’s expectation at present is completely unrealistic.

“Trust me, we’re both going to have to work smart, not stupid, over the next few months to even contemplate challenging again.

“We’re both going to have to target and re-target the right type of characters both on and off the field.

“We’ll need to maximise every penny at our disposal to give us an edge, and we’re both going to have to manage the expectation levels of our supporters, our town, and even our sponsors, as it’s sure to be there after last season’s efforts.”

Meanwhile, the club have signed Bradley Ash on a permanent deal following the expiration of his contract with Barnsley.

The young forward joined the Wood on loan from Barnsley at the beginning of the 2017-18 season, however, suffered a nasty knee injury, in a friendly against Barnet.

The 22-year-old has since made a full recovery from his injury and he will join up with his new teammates for the pre-season schedule.