Will Luke Garrard Return To Management Before The New Season Begins? – Opinion

Former Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard was expected to be in demand this summer, but so far the 38 year old is still waiting for the next opportunity.

It was rumoured he would be stepping up two levels from the National League into the hot seat not a million miles away from Meadow Park at Stevenage. However, chairman Phil Wallace appointed interim manager Alex Revell, a former Boro player and boss, leaving Garrard playing the waiting game.

Despite Wood having been relegated last season to the National League South, the former AFC Wimbledon player’s stock is high. Four play-off appearances over nine years are the hallmark of his tenure and with age also on his side, he no doubt appears in conversations when jobs arise.

Only two weeks ago amidst speculation, Barnet boss Dean Brennan was on his way to Swindon Town, and Bees fans were in two minds on whether Garrard was a suitable replacement.

Born and raised in the borough does give him an edge, although the jury is out among most on his style of play. It can’t be denied that it was effective for Boreham Wood until the last 12 months arrived. The questions that arise are was that a style to suit the players or if Garrard pitches up in a new job, would we see the same or variations in how his side set up and play.

Whilst managers and coaches of course have their preferred way, especially if it brings them a degree of success, those who evolve constantly win trophies and have the edge over the next man.

There is one big stumbling block currently which may leave Garrard as the new face of TNT punditry instead, and that is the lack of opportunity and jobs to apply for. Opportunities are scarce so far this summer, the Stevenage link was tentative and the possibility at Barnet didn’t go any further. There are currently no vacancies in the National League nor the National League South.

League Two haven’t come calling either and unless one or two managers decide their club’s direction doesn’t match their own, then Garrard faces the possibility of waiting out the whole summer but being ready when five games into the new campaign chairmen start to get itchy fingers.

However, he won’t be the only one watching and waiting. There are always application lists for any job in football longer than there is time to speak to everybody such is the clamour to experience the adrenalin rush once more and the matchday hustle and bustle.

The key for Garrard is keeping himself in the spotlight and at the forefront of people’s minds should any job start to become in question. Out of sight, out of mind then becomes difficult to get back in the frame.

Many will say he is still a young manager with time on his side, and while his CV does show signs of being able to deliver. Despite only one play-off appearance yielding a promotion, he surely will be in with a shout once clubs begin to think about a managerial change.

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