Following Thursday’s announcement that Assistant Manager Vic Aker’s has stepped down from his position within Luke Garrard’s backroom staff, Boreham Wood FC are delighted to announce former Watford and Reading Academy Manager David Dodds as our new Assistant Manager.
Vic’s exit had been known by the Wood hierarchy since shortly after our defeat at Harrogate Town in the play-offs just over a month ago, which resulted in a quiet, yet comprehensive replacement search led by Manager Luke Garrard and Chief Executive Charlie Hunter, who created a shortlist of options who might suit Luke and the technical area.
Following that thorough search, one outstanding candidate emerged… So, it is with great pleasure and delight that the Club can now reveal that former Watford and Reading Academy boss Coach David Dodds has agreed terms to become Wood’s new Assistant Manager next season.
Dodds’ initial affiliation with the Club came when he was Academy Manager at Watford, building a close working relationship with Wood Chairman Danny Hunter. It was that friendship that helped to create a flourishing Academy partnership between our BW PASE Academy and Watford’s well-known youth set up.
During his time at Vicarage Road, Dodds was instrumental in nurturing up and coming talent, such as Ashley Young, Adrian Mariappa, Borehamwood’s very own Lee Hodson and Matty Whichelow, and many, many more…
After a number of years at Watford, as part of a backroom restructure amongst the Watford hierarchy and Academy, Dodds left the Hornets to join Reading. Dodds was again an influential figure in orchestrating another close Academy partnership with the Wood Chairman, between the BW PASE Academy and Reading FC’s Academy. That partnership gave the Royals first refusal on all BW PASE Academy talent and resulted in frequent friendlies between the sides at First Team and youth level during many pre-seasons and periodically throughout the season…
Over the past 15 years whilst at Watford, Reading and Spurs, Dodds has formed a very good relationship with Luke, the Club and he’s certainly no stranger to the Chairman and the area, knowing both very well.
On the appointment of his new assistant, Wood Gaffer Luke Garrard said, “I am very happy to have Doddsy on board. He’s someone I’ve known for over 10 years and I have a lot of respect for the work he’s done.
“His experience will be invaluable, not only to myself, but to the players too. His knowledge and understanding will bring a great added extra to an already experienced management team. I look forward to working closely with him.” Garrard concluded.
Welcome to Meadow Park, David!
OUR CLUB. OUR TOWN. OUR COMMUNITY.
