In a move that signals unwavering commitment and ambition, Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard has signed a three-year contract extension—just 24 hours after his side suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the National League promotion final.

The 40-year-old tactician, who has become the face of the club's modern era, agreed to the new deal despite the emotional sting of Sunday's loss. His team had led 2-0 with only 12 minutes remaining at Wembley, only for Rochdale to score twice in stoppage time and eventually win 3-1 on penalties. It was a cruel twist for a side that had finished fourth in the regular season and battled past Forest Green and Carlisle to reach the final.

"After yesterday, I knew I wanted to get it sorted," Garrard told the club website. "I witnessed a club and town unite, and I know with this group of players we can really achieve our goals. We have been incredible this season, and I'm extremely proud of everyone's efforts. We now have a job to do—and that's to go one further next season."

Garrard's journey with Boreham Wood has been anything but ordinary. He first took the managerial reins in October 2015, guiding the club through its most successful period before a brief departure in April 2024 following relegation to National League South. But he returned just five months later, orchestrating an immediate promotion back to the fifth tier with a victory over Maidstone in the playoff final.

This season marked their return to non-league's top division, and they made an emphatic statement, amassing 90 points. For a club that has never played in the English Football League, it was a campaign that defied expectations—even if it ended in heartbreak.

Garrard admitted Sunday's defeat, which mirrored a similar loss to Tranmere in the 2018 final, left him "heartbroken." But in the same breath, he acknowledged the resilience of his squad and the unity of the Meadow Park faithful. With a new contract in hand and a clear vision for the future, Boreham Wood are poised to chase history once again.