by John Mead
Wood open their prestigious Pre-Season programme with the visit of The Hammers. It will be the first chance for fans of the East London Premiership side to see their charges in action on English soil this Season.
The exciting prospect of seeing £15 million Andy Carroll in action, alongside an already star studded strike force is sure to attract a sizeable crowd for the occasion. Carlton Cole and Joe Cole could also be newcomers to Meadow Park, along with Ricardo Vaz Te who can show his fellow strikers around the facilities having featured in last Season’s 1 – 1 draw.
With skipper Kevin Nolan and the ever present Mark Noble also due to return to Meadow Park, there are more mouth watering signings who will surely play a part on the day. Jussi Jaaskelainen will no doubt look out for his understudy, twenty-six year old Adrian who arrives from Real Betis, where he was a regular first choice ‘keeper in last Season’s La Liga.
Chelsea fans will instantly recognise Razvan Rat a thirty-one year old defender who played twice against the Blues last Season for Shahktar Donetsk. In his ten year stay with the Ukrainian Champions he has helped them to seven League Titles, whilst featuring eighty-one times for his country, Romania.
The Hammers last signing to date is a nineteen year old midfield prospect in the shape of Danny Whitehead who arrives from Stockport County.
Like The Hammers Wood have already returned to training, with their first session last Saturday. Wood Manager Ian Allinson has retained all of his midfield and defence from last Season, with the exception of Chez Isaac who steps up to Conference Premier standard with Braintree Town. His slot has been filled with the experienced Mark Bentley who will also work as a PASE Coach at the Club after joining from Hayes & Yeading United.
Ian has expressed his desire to “Sharpen up the front line that in reality did not compliment the excellent work the rest of the side did last Season. We are looking at three or four options and will hopefully be unveiling one or two before the West Ham United game.”
Boreham Wood versus West Ham United. Wednesday 10 July 2013, Kick off 7.30pm.
