Boreham Wood are delighted to announce that Goalkeeper James Russell has penned a new contract to remain with the Wood for the 2016/17 season.
Born in Welwyn Garden City, James was originally a schoolboy at the Arsenal academy before signing for Chelsea at the age of fourteen.
He went on to sign a two year apprenticeship at Chelsea, before signing professional forms at aged nineteen. James become an International goalkeeper being called up by and representing the Republic Of Ireland under 21′s on two occasions versus Slovakia and Portugal respectively.
After five years and a combined total of 46 competitive matches for both Chelsea’s youth team and reserves, James joined Stevenage borough in the Blue Square Premier. In his first season at Stevenage, James missed out on the playoffs by one point. He was then loaned out to Ryman side Canvey Island where he helped push the club up the league which ended in a promotion via the playoffs.
With a new manager appointed at Stevenage and the arrival of two senior goalkeepers opportunities were extremely limited for James at the start of the 08/09 season. After couple of loan moves to Halesowen Town and Arseley Town respectively James completed a free transfer to Arseley where he made 36 appearances and helped the club avoid relegation on the last day of the season.
James joined the Wood in the 2012/13 pre season and now extends his stay for a fifth consecutive season..
Wood manager Luke Garrard said “James has been and is a big part of our changing room and has had another great season between the sticks. I’m absolutely delighted that he has committed to us for another season, as he has been a big plus and one of our most consistent performers at National league level”..
