Boreham Wood are delighted to announce the capture of dynamic left-back Ryan Johnson on a long-term loan deal.
The defender was born in Birmingham, but has previously represented Northern Ireland under-21’s, scoring once in four appearances.
A product of the West Bromwich Albion academy, Johnson joined Stevenage in 2013 and was their youngest ever debutant at 17-years and 215 days.
Johnson impressed enough to earn trials with a number of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, Manchester United and Watford.
Standing at 6”2, Johnson can play at both left-back and in central defence and also spent a period on loan at St Albans.
On joining the club, Johnson said: “I am very happy to sign, as soon as I knew that Boreham Wood were interested, I was really happy.
“I know that they are a good club with good ambitions and I am looking forward to playing a lot of games and hopefully having a good season.
“I had been here previously, so I know a lot about the club, I know the setup and how good everything is here.
“I know that they have a good stadium and great supporters, it just feels like such a good club.
“I am a much better player now, I have had a lot more game time, I have had a lot more chances to develop and I am coming back with a very good mind-set.”
The former Manchester United and Tottenham trialist previously spent a spell on loan at the Wood in 2014 and Garrard has praised the 20-year-old’s development since.
Garrard explained: “He plays one or two positions and he adds a balance to the side with his left-foot.
“He had a very successful at St Albans and I feel that it is his natural progression to step up a level.
“He has a lot of ability as a defender and in terms of the way that he wants to play and he suits the systems that I want to play this year, so I am very, very happy.
“He was originally with us in the Conference South a few years ago and he has grown up since then, he has matured in terms of his match play, and he gained vital experience during his loan with St Albans.
“He will be returning to us a little bit more accomplished,” Garrard continued. “Obviously there are still little bits to his game that he needs to improve, but I believe that under the guidance of Terry (Harris), Cam (Mawer) and myself, we will get the best out of him.”
