BOREHAM WOOD chairman Danny Hunter admits switching to day-time training in September isn’t ideal – but the club feel it’s the only way they will survive in the National League.
Wood, who were promoted to Non-League‘s top tier through last season’s Conference South play-offs, have switched training from Tuesday and Thursday evenings to Monday, Thursday and Friday days.
Before last Tuesday night’s 2-1 win at struggling Torquay United, Ian Allinson’s side had lost five games on the spin.
Prosper
And chairman Hunter said: “I spoke to my management team of Ian Allinson and Luke Garrard about the pros and cons after the defeat against Bromley. They felt it was the only way to go if we are to survive and prosper.
“Of course it is not ideal to do this in September but after five losses on the spin, performances have dipped and results don’t lie.
“Some of our players, especially those who have been used to daytime training and full-time football, have struggled with two evening training sessions a week and are hugely underperforming.
“Some have struggled with doing a day job then rushing home, grabbing a bite to eat, rushing across London to train and are emotionally spent by the time they get here.”
It means player-coach – and a big part of their rise up the leagues – Mario Noto has left because his job as a teacher means he is unable to commit.
Another casualty is Harry Crawford, who has since joined St Albans City, and goalie coach James Courtnage. Junior Lewis has been appointed first team coach.
Hunter says he’s sad some players and staff will have to leave but insists he won’t allow the changes to put the club in financial danger.
“This all takes sustainable finance and that will be the key to our success,” Hunter insisted.
“As such I will need to find the money and ensure it is workable without putting the club in any danger of overspending. That is now my aim and rather than talking about it, it’s best I just get on with it and make sure I bloody well succeed.”
