Boreham Wood Football Club are delighted to announce to our supporters three major pre season signings.
Firstly goalkeeper Michael Jordan. Michael, now 27 years old, began his career as a trainee at Arsenal, representing England at both under 17 and under 19 levels.
In June 2006, Michael was released by Arsenal and subsequently signed at League One side Chesterfield. Michael’s contract with Chesterfield was mutually terminated in March 2008, making seven appearances in the football league in his time there.
Picture Courtesy of David Holmes Woking FC
Michael finished that season with Lewes, helping them to the Blue Square South title. He began the 2008/2009 season in the Conference National with the Sussex side, but in February 2009 joined Farnborough and was goalkeeper there until the end of the 2010/2011 season, winning the Zamaretto Premier Division in his first season, and finishing second in the Blue Square South last season, losing 4-2 to Ebbsfleet in the play-off final.
Secondly central defender James Smith. James is a commanding centre half with real leadership qualities, which has been rewarded with a number of England C call ups, of which on a few occasions he has captained the side. While at Ebbsfleet James saw success playing in the Conference National, as well as winning the F.A. Trophy in 2008.
Last season James was in the successful Farnborough side that finished second in the Blue Square South, coming runners up to Braintree. At just 26 years of age the club is pleased James has agreed to sign a two year contract and looks forward to adding to his outstanding non league record.
Lastly, our third signing is 27 year old Daryl McMahon. Daryl is a very well known and highly rated midfield playmaker who originates from Dublin. A recent non league paper article listed Daryl in the top twenty midfielders of non league football.
Daryl began his career as a trainee at West Ham United where he learned his trade before transferring to Leyton Orient in League One. Daryl made over 70 appearances in the football league for the O’s over three seasons before moving onto Stevenage Borough in the Conference National.
Daryl endured two successful seasons in the Conference with Stevenage reaching the play offs in his time there. Also, whilst at Broadhall Way he won the F.A. Trophy in a magnificent final against Kidderminster, where Borough fought back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2.
Daryl joined Farnborough in 2009, contributing to the side that won the Zamaretto Premier division and finishing second in the Blue Square South last season. It is hoped that such a significant signing will help continue Boreham Wood’s own upward league progress and ambition to compete with the top teams in the Conference South.
The Club can also announce Daryl has also joined the clubs PASE Academy coaching staff. Last year saw our clubs very successful youngsters crowned All England and Wales National College Cup winners, Suburban Northern reserve league champions and Southern Counties Floodlit youth league winners. While Bradley Fraser, Jordan Lawal and Lee Close all added to the clubs and their young reputations with call ups to the England Colleges and schoolboys teams respectfully.
By signing a two year coaching and playing contract the club is convinced not only will Daryl progress the clubs first team ambitions, but he will also progress his own coaching prowess and have a huge influence with our PASE Academy students, as we again look to advance home grown talent into the first team and beyond…
Wood manager Ian Allinson said “All three boys are proven at the highest level and I’m thrilled the chairman Danny Hunter has backed me once again. I’m still looking to bring in another two or three to improve the squad further and by signing players of the calibre of Michael, James and Daryl, it will only help me to attract the type of players I’m looking for.” Allinson concluded.
Chairman Danny Hunter said “I’ve built the club up steadily over the past twelve seasons and I’m ambitious enough to see if we can go any further… I hope the supporters realise what a fine set of players Ian is putting together and I’m looking forward tremendously to next season.”
