Boreham Wood Football Club can today announce that our longest-serving current player, Femi Ilesanmi has decided to part ways with the club following his unforgettable time spent in black and white.
Femi first joined the Wood in August of 2016. After being named as an unused substitute in our opening day victory over Forest Green Rovers, he made his debut a week later, coming off the bench in a 1-1 draw away at York City. During his first season at Meadow Park, Femi made an outstanding 51 appearances as the Wood secured an 11th-place finish in the National League before departing the club at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.
The left back joined Dover Athletic ahead of the 2017/18 season, However, it would prove to be a brief spell away from Meadow Park, as Femi returned to WD6 in June of 2018, a move that would mark the beginning of one of the most memorable and successful periods in the club’s recent history.
Over the following eight years, Femi established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet, becoming a model of consistency, professionalism and commitment. A firm favourite among the Meadow Park faithful, he went on to make more than 350 appearances in black and white, cementing his place amongst the club’s modern day greats.
Throughout his second spell, Femi played a pivotal role in some of the most memorable moments in the Wood’s history, featuring in play-off campaigns, helping the club secure promotion from the National League South, lifting the National League Cup, and producing countless memorable performances along the way.
Femi produced moments that every Wood supporter will cherish forever. His strike against Leyton Orient, his goal away at Notts County in the National League Play-Off Semi-Final, and perhaps most memorably of all, his dramatic stoppage-time winner against Dorking Wanderers in the National League South Play-Off Eliminator. With the Wood trailing 3-1 and entering the latter stages of the game, an extraordinary comeback culminated in Femi firing home the decisive goal in a remarkable 4-3 victory that will forever live long in the memory of everyone associated with the club.
Chairman Danny Hunter said “It’s only fitting that Femi was made an offer, but also fitting that he chose to leave on his own terms. Femi felt that he still has so much to offer, but was not guaranteed a starting position next season and was perhaps needed more within the academy.
I understand and agree with his decision to decline our offer, as he’s been my friend, a personal ally and not just a player to our club for more than a decade. In truth, we’ve shared a relegation, a promotion, numerous play-offs and I was even blessed to be there at his wedding and share in the joy of him becoming a father.
Our friendship will I’m sure endure the test of time and I wish him and his wonderful family nothing but health and happiness, a blessed future and as he knows, he has my total respect as God loves a trier.”
Manager Luke Garrard added: “Femi is someone I hold in high regard, the professionalism on and off the pitch epitomised the human he is.
“We created some incredible memories together, none more so than last season at Wembley where it would have been a fairytale ending for a truly amazing Boreham Wood career.
“I wish him nothing but success and I have no doubt that wherever he signs, they will be getting themselves a true professional and a man that gives nothing but 100%.”
Femi’s time as a Boreham Wood player has now come to an end and his status as a club legend at Meadow Park is secure. His dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to the badge have made him one of the finest servants in the club’s history and someone who will always be welcomed back with open arms.
