The 2023/24 National League season has come to an end and one of the sad stories from the campaign was the confirmation that Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard would be leaving this summer after nine years in charge, but what’s next for him?
After joining Boreham Wood as manager nine years ago, Garrard has successfully taken charge of over 400 matches for the club, consistently trying to establish the side as regular National League play-off contenders despite having limited resources.
The 38-year-old caused numerous cup upsets and made some memorable memories with the club, including their FA Cup trip to Premier League side Everton in March 2022, beating AFC Bournemouth away from home in February 2022 and beating League One Bristol Rovers in November 2022.
Last season, Garrard successfully guided Boreham Wood to a play-off place, where they almost reached Wembley Stadium after narrowly losing in the dying moments against eventual winners Notts County in the semi-finals.
Unfortunately, Garrard’s journey doesn’t have its ‘happily ever after’ after Boreham Wood were held to a goalless draw in his final match in charge – a result that confirmed their relegation to the National League South next season.
With that being said, let’s take a look at four possible clubs that Garrard could move onto next…
Stevenage FC
League One side Stevenage suffered a shock blow in mid-week when Steve Evans suddenly departed to return to relegated Championship side Rotherham United, leaving them in search of a new manager for the 2024/25 season.
Garrard may never have managed in the EFL, but he does have a very successful track record when it comes to playing against them. Similarly, he also uses the same system and play style as Steve Evans did at Stevenage, meaning this would tactically be a like-for-like move.
The biggest risk for Garrard is his lack of EFL experience, having only managed Boreham Wood but his time with the club certainly justifies his move into the EFL and he is also one of the brightest young managers in English football at the moment.
Oldham Athletic
Following Thursday’s draw against FC Halifax Town and Saturday’s defeat against Wealdstone, Oldham Athletic missed out on the opportunity to reach the National League play-off places once again – adding further pressure onto Micky Mellon.
Oldham have repeatedly targeted more experienced/proven managers and it has not worked, which is why I believe they need to switch their approach and go for a younger manager and someone like Garrard could fit that role perfectly.
Unsurprisingly, Garrard would have to deal with more pressure by managing a bigger football club, but he knows the National League inside out and would bring fresh ideas to a side that are desperate for a chance to get their side back into the EFL.
Swindon Town
Returning to the EFL, Swindon Town are currently one of the few sides using an interim manager in Gavin Gunning and could be on the search for a new boss this summer if either Gunning doesn’t want the role or Swindon want someone else.
Garrard is a former Swindon Town player, featuring for the club between 2002 and 2005 which means that he would have a basic idea of the type of pressure and level of expectation he would be walking into.
Like Oldham, Swindon have also focussed mainly on more-experienced managers which has brought mixed reviews. Bringing in someone young with fresh ideas could be an exciting and potentially much-needed idea for the League Two side, but Gunning has also done fairly well and is possibly in a better position to get the role.
Wealdstone FC
Potentially controversial but National League side Wealdstone confirmed their safety for another season after beating Oldham Athletic on Saturday and currently have an interim manager in the form of Sam Cox who has done an outstanding job thus far, winning three of his first four games.
However, it is fair to admit that some interim managers don’t always take up the permanent option and that could be an eye-catching prospect for Luke Garrard, especially if he can keep Cox as his number two.
Wealdstone and Boreham Wood are very similar in terms of club size and the Stones are in the process of transforming into a full-time side. Location-wise, his move would also suit Garrard as he wouldn’t have to relocate and the current foundations in terms of a new stadium plan and continued sustainability within the National League have made Wealdstone a very attractive side to join.
Would you take Luke Garrard as manager of your side for the 2024/25 season?