Vanarama's National League fan preview: Boreham Wood

League sponsors Vanarama have been getting the fans’ perspective ahead of the new season - which kicks off this Saturday.

The new season is nearly upon us - what have the fans got to look forward to?
A good season with lots of entertainment and hopefully some success. We seem to have put together a good squad this year. Let’s see where it takes us.

After the euphoria of a visit to Wembley the season before last, you struggled last season. What changed?
We lost four or five key players from that squad to league clubs and another one, injured for the whole season. Unfortunately, their replacements didn’t have the same quality. Perhaps subconsciously, we were suffering from a “Wembley hangover”. Losing the Promotion Final to Tranmere Rovers was heart breaking.

Kabongo Tshimanga was a man expected to make the move to the Football League. How big a coup is he for the Wood?
He could be a big coup. He scored plenty of goals for Oxford City and is lightening quick. Someone like that could have gone in the Football League and sat on the bench every week (or been loaned out). At least at Boreham Wood, he should get more game time. Let’s hope he can handle the big defenders in the National League. He has looked promising in pre-season.

What’s been the best bit of business done over the past few months?
Probably Piero Mingoia who we signed from Accrington Stanley. He has joined us after playing 200 league games at Accrington and Cambridge and looks an excellent player. He should give us the quality we were lacking last season.

So, what will be different this season from last?
The recruitment has been better and no “Wembley hangover”. There is more of a buzz about the place.

Who will be your one to watch coming August 3?
Piero Mingoia.

Who are the other sides to watch out for and could be in the promotion mix?
Chesterfield and AFC Fylde

What ground are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
Stockport County. A big club who have been in the doldrums and are on their way back up. Also, I’ve never been there.

And what game would you like to win more than any other any why!
Barnet - our local rivals.

What opposition player would you most like to see in your side - and what makes him so good?
Danny Rowe of AFC Fylde. A proven goalscorer

Finally, the key question - where do you predict your team will finish next season?
7th.

Vanarama have recently launched the National League Club Reward scheme to help fans back their club’s budget. Every time a fan takes out a brand new van lease with Vanarama or a brand new car lease with Motorama their club will earn £100 and you will receive £30 cashback.

For the latest van leasing deals head to Vanarama.
For the latest car leasing deals head to Motorama.