Watford Kick Off Pre-Season with Friendly Against Newly-Promoted Boreham Wood

Watford make a return to footballing action after the conclusion of the 2024/25 season left the Hornets in a position of optimism. Borehamwood are hosting the friendly, marking an incredible previous campaign with a promotion back to the national league.

The Hornets are seeking valuable minutes for their latest recruits including: Nathan Baxter (GK), Marc Bola (LB), Hector Kyprianou (DM), and Vivaldo Semedo (CF).

New Watford head coach Paulo Pezzolano has been impressed in his opening two weeks of pre-season.

Keen to prove to the clubs fans that he’s the right man for the job, after Tom Cleverly was shockingly sacked after one year in charge-the first of any Hornets manager for years.

BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – APRIL 26:Watford’s Mattie Pollock (2nd right) is joined by team-mates as he celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers FC and Watford FC at Ewood Park on April 26, 2025 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Rich Linley – CameraSport via Getty Images)

Since 2015, Luke Gerrard has led Borehamwood to numerous play-off matches and even resigned and came back multiple times.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Borehamwood Manager Luke Garrard looks on ahead of the Emirates FA Cup First Round match between Boreham Wood and Leyton Orient at Mangata Pay UK Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

Both sides have valuable opportunities for players to get game time, however the game at Medow Park will be a real test in different ways for both sides.