Luke Garrard has described his relationship with departed Boreham Wood boss Ian Allinson as "more than football" after overseeing a 1-0 defeat to Aldershot Town on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old, who is still registered as a player, took charge of his first match just 24 hours after Allinson's shock resignation on Monday.

An early goal from former Wood loanee Charlie Walker did the damage in a game the hosts really should have found a reward for their endeavours.

Speaking afterwards, Garrard said: "It was tough. I spoke to Ian on Monday night, I spoke to him again today (Tuesday) and he sent me a good luck text.

"It is more than football with me and Ian, likewise with the chairman and Ian. It’s more than just football, it’s a friendship."

The former Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Wimbledon defender continued: "It was a shock. On Monday the players were addressed and it was good it was addressed prior to the session and not afterwards so we could get them organised and well-drilled for this evening.

"There are people in there who have done the journeys to Carlisle United, Brentford and the Whitehawk Play-off Final.

"There are relationships in there which have been cultivated over the last three or four years, that’s why we were so successful last year – the unit we had between ourselves and the gaffer.

"It was tough, but they’re professionals. They knew they had to come to try to get three points this evening."

Unfortunately Wood were unable to start the Garrard regime with three points and assessing his side's performance, he said: "The performance, I thought, was good. It’s just unfortunate we didn’t come away with any points.

"We did some stats on the game and we had 14 shots but only six hit the target. On reflection we didn’t take our opportunities.

"We’ve got good strength and depth across the board. It’s just a shame about the finishing."

Wood travel to Guiseley on Saturday.

You can read the match report from Tuesday's defeat by clicking here.