The club, based in the Hertfordshire town of Borehamwood—spelled as one word, unlike the club’s name—was founded in 1948 following a merger between Boreham Wood Rovers and Royal Retournez, beginning life in the Mid-Herts League. They later progressed through various ‘Greek’ amateur leagues based around Greater London and surrounding areas, including the Parthenon, Spartan, and Athenian leagues, before joining the Isthmian League in 1974. Nearly three decades later, they were transferred to the Southern League, earning promotion to the Conference South in 2010, and then to the newly renamed National League in 2015.

Aside from their relegation in 2023/24, Boreham Wood have generally been play-off contenders, reflecting the ambition and stability provided by long-serving chairman Danny Hunter. They’ve also enjoyed some notable FA Cup runs—most memorably in 2021/22, when they reached the fifth round after knocking out AFC Wimbledon and AFC Bournemouth, before falling 2–0 to Everton. They also reached the third round in 2020/21 (losing to Millwall) and 2022/23 (losing to Accrington Stanley after a replay, and beating Bristol Rovers 2-0 on the way).

Last season, having returned to the fifth tier after one year away, Boreham Wood turned many eyes with their pacy, assertive style, and they were barely out of the play-off race all season. In the end, they finished fourth, with 90 points, 27 wins and an impressive +37 goal difference. After eventually getting past 7th-placed Rovers in the quarter-final play-off, with an extra-time goal from Zak Brunt making the difference, they faced Carlisle in the semi-final. Again, an injury-time winner from Brunt gave them what they needed, setting them up to take on Rochdale at Wembley. While for much of the game it seemed that the Wood Army were finally about to gain promotion to the Football League, it was not to be, as Manny Dieseruvwe’s injury-time equaliser for Rochdale took the match to extra time, and then to penalties. Here, the Wood were no match for the Dale, and so they find themselves again expecting another season of punching above their weight and hopefully getting out to the promised land of the EFL….

Boreham Wood’s home ground, Meadow Park, also hosts the Arsenal youth team, and until 2024, served as the main venue for the Arsenal Women’s team.

Luke Garrard returned to Boreham Wood a few weeks into the 2023/24 season, having been sacked late in the previous season once it had become clear that the club were to be relegated to the National League South from the fifth tier. However, Garrard’s replacement, Ross Jenkins, failed to make an impact at the start of the new season, and Garrard was rapidly invited to take up his former post again. By most measures, he had had a notably successful spell as manager first time round, leading one of the smaller clubs in the National League (in terms of fan base) to the promotion play-offs on three occasions during his nine years of leadership. As a (nearly) local boy, having been born in nearby Barnet, Garrard has shown great loyalty to the Wood, and has played a substantial role, alongside that of owner Danny Hunter, in shaping the club into the ambitious non-league powerhouse that it has become.

As a player (a defensive midfielder), Garrard made 140 appearances for Boreham Wood betwen 2010 and 2015 (when he was appointed Manager). Prior to that he had made nearly 100 appearances for AFC Wimbledon during their years in the Isthmian League, Conference South and Conference.  Early in his career he had also played for Swindon Town, before joining a series of non-league clubs in the Hertfordshire area.

The Wood are keen and hungry to go that one step further than they did last year – when they came closer than they ever have to crossing that bridge to the EFL.

As such, they have kept the core of the highly talented team that served them so well in 2025/26, and only made a few additions so far. Interestingly, the new acquisitions are intended to beef up Boreham Wood’s defence – while letting 58 goals during the whole of the regular season last year is by no means shocking, it was a higher tally than that recorded by all but one of the other teams that ended up in the promotion or play-off places. In comes left-back Oliver Bainbridge from Sunderland U-21s and right-back Tylor Golden from Altrincham.  There have been changes between the sticks – primary goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore has moved on to Dagenham & Redbridge, while Ted Curd’s loan from Chelsea ran out at the end of last season. The new number 1 is expected to be Luca Gunter, who is on loan from Tottenham Hotspur U-21s.  Midfielder Tarryn Allrakhia has also joined the club from Rochdale.  So far, at least, rumours of the sale of absolutely key left-winger Abdul Abdulmalik for huge sums have remained just rumours – even though they are by no means a one-man team, his departure would be an enormous loss for the Wood.  Zak Brunt, who scored 12 goals in 27 appearances last season remains another man to watch. Two games into the season, and they’re doing OK, with a 3-1 victory over Halifax Town following a very closely-fought 3-3 draw with Tamworth (the draw coming thanks to a Lambs penalty 12 minutes into stoppage time after the second half).

Rovers met the Wood on three occasions last season  – twice during the regular run of the league, and then in the play-offs. The outcome, in order: one win, one draw, one loss.  The home match at TNL in October 2025 ended up as a 2-1 victory for Rovers, with a penalty from Harvey Bunker and goal from Jili Buyabu. The away game, in Hertfordshire in February, was a hard-fought slog between two well-matched and capable teams. Joshua Osude, making only his second appearance for Rovers, was red-carded only 16 minutes after coming on as a second-half sub. Boreham Wood had taken a lead shortly after half-time, but a Kyle McAllister penalty ensured the points were shared. Finally, the play-off, which saw Rovers return to Meadow Park two months after their previous visit, was another exciting, often fast-paced game. In the end, the combination of Abdul Abdulmalik and Zak Brunt – surely two of the finest players in last year’s National League competition – got the better of Rovers, giving the Wood a 1-0 lead in injury time at the end of the first period of extra time, a lead they held onto until the 120 minutes+ were up. The defeat was no disgrace – the team had played well and had never looked like giving up.

Forest Green Rovers F.C. – The New Lawn, Another Way, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL6 0FG

Parking is available in the adjacent school car park, just a short walk from the stadium. Spaces cost £15 per car and must be booked in advance by calling 0333 123 1889 (Monday, Thursday and Friday at 11am to 2pm) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.

If parking on surrounding streets, please be considerate of local residents.

This is a “kids go free” game, and, like all National League fixtures on this day. an early kick-off (12.30pm), allowing DAZN to broadcast them all live.

Rovers Raffle – organised by the Supporters Club to subsidise away travel, ground improvements, Women’s, Academy teams etc. Tickets cost £1 each (cash or card accepted) with winners announced at half time or check winning numbers here – Raffle Results – Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club

Fan Zone – Fan Zone to the right of the ground entrance, behind the North Stand. Open to home & away supporters. The Fan Zone has a food truck, bar, toilets and a large marquee with picnic benches and live music from about 11:00am.

The Green Man  – Normally home fans only,  serves food and drink. Opens 10am.

Gym Bar – Open in the East Stand, and open to other home supporters after the match.

Club Shop – Opens 10am. TNL is a cashless stadium. To find out about hospitality and events, please email hospitality@fgr.co.uk.