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Luke returned to Meadow Park in September 2024, five months after departing the club, having previously spent nine seasons in the managerial hot seat and over two decades with Boreham Wood in a variety of roles.
During his first spell in charge between October 2015 and April 2024, Garrard oversaw the most successful period in the club’s history. The Wood reached the National League play-offs on three occasions – in 2018, 2020 and 2023 – narrowly missing out on promotion after defeats to Tranmere Rovers, Harrogate Town and Notts County respectively.
His tenure also delivered unforgettable FA Cup moments, with the club reaching the third round for the first time in 2020/21 before embarking on a remarkable run to the fifth round the following season. Victories over AFC Wimbledon and Championship leaders AFC Bournemouth saw Boreham Wood become just the tenth non-league side to reach the competition’s last 16, before eventually bowing out to Everton at Goodison Park. The following season, the Wood reached the FA Cup third round for a third consecutive year after defeating Bristol Rovers.
Upon his return, Garrard wasted little time restoring the club’s upward trajectory, guiding Boreham Wood back to the National League at the first attempt in 2024/25. After securing a play-off place, the Wood embarked on a memorable promotion run, beginning with a dramatic 4–3 victory over Dorking Wanderers at Meadow Park, a match widely regarded as one of the greatest nights in the club’s history, before a 1-0 semi-final victory at Torquay United and a 1-0 triumph over Maidstone United in the Promotion Final sealed an immediate return to the fifth tier.
Carrying that momentum into 2025/26, Garrard led the Wood to another outstanding campaign, securing a second successive play-off place while recording a club-record 90-point National League season. His side progressed to the National League Promotion Final at Wembley, his second visit to the national stadium as Boreham Wood manager, where they were ultimately denied promotion by Rochdale following a penalty shootout.
