Wood boss is buoyed by Curd return

By Jon Couch

RETURN: Ted Curd

Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard says it was a “no-brainer” to bring goalkeeper Ted Curd back to Meadow Park.

The 20-year-old England youth international enjoyed a breakthrough year under Garrard last season, helping Wood to the National League playoff final with a string of fine performances.

Now he has returned to join the National League leaders on a season-long loan from Premier League Chelsea, sparking an intriguing battle for a starting place with current incumbent Luca Gunter.

“When this got presented to me, it was a no brainer,” Garrard said. “The opportunity to bring back Ted and compete for the number one shirt with Luca was something I felt would bode well for all involved.

“We know what characteristics and personality Ted brings and to have two of the best young talents fighting it out for the number one shirt really excites me.

“Now it’s over to both of them to raise their game and bring that much needed competition in that area of the pitch.”

Curd has been part of Chelsea’s academy setup since the age of nine, progressing steadily through the youth ranks at Cobham before signing his first professional contract with the Blues in February 2023.

In between loan spells at Hashtag United and Hampton & Richmond Borough, Curd represented England Under 17s in the European Championship and World Cup before making his Under-19s debut against Portugal in October last year.

After joining Wood in November 2025, Curd went on to make 24 National League appearances keeping 11 clean sheets.

Solid play-off displays helped steer Wood to Wembley before they were eventually denied promotion by Rochdale after extra time.