Former Dagenham and Redbridge midfielder Gary Howard has signed a one-year contract with Boreham Wood Football Club.

Laurence Yaku has transferred from Northwood to Maidenhead United, and will not be joining Wood.

Wood had been watching Yaku over the previous season, and were frustrated when he signed for Maidenhead before meeting Wood's chairman Danny Hunter to discuss terms.

The club has been speaking with several other players, and will announce their arrivals when they sign contracts.

Imber, Grime, Harvey, Wooton, Engwell, Jones, Meah, Delisser, Lamb and Dixon have been retained, and will play for Wood again next season.

David MacDonald, Phil Mason, Steve Sinclair and Corey Browne have been released, and, due to his commitments at Chelsea, coach Frank O'Brien has left, although he hopes to remain involved with the club.

Roger Goodhind has taken over as the reserve team manager, and the reserves will play their home games in the Suburban League on Thursday evenings, kick off 7.30pm. Away games will be played on Saturdays, from 3pm.

Lee Patterson, who managed East Thurrock during their promotion to the Ryman League Division Three in the 1999/2000 season will assist Micky Engwell this season. His pedigree will help to bring about the success and stability that the club requires, and he has a great knowledge of players.

Lee Harvey will continue as the club and team captain, and Wood hope he will sign to extend his existing contract.

The first team and the reserves reported for pre-season training on Monday, July 1.

July 3, 2002 14:30