Boreham Wood boss says 'sleeping giant' Hartlepool will prove a stern test

Garrard, who led his side to a play-off final last season, is relishing the chance to test himself against a 'massive club' - and knows that Pools will provide a stern test for the Wood.

The 33-year-old was also envious of Matthew Bates' summer recruitment which saw the club attract several high profile players.

Speaking to Boreham Wood's official website, Garrard said: “They have started ever so well under Mathew Bates and their recruitment in the summer was very good; you look at the singing of Liam Noble, who has played in League Two and League One.

“You look at the personnel he has in his ranks, he has Carl Magnay, Scott Loach, Andrew Davies, Noble, Nicky Featherstone, Michael Woods.

“They are a big club, they’re a massive club and this is their second year in the National League, 18 months ago they were fighting it out in League Two.

“Let’s not kid anyone, they are a sleeping giant. You look at the personnel they have got there, the fanbase, the club they have, and we know that come Saturday it is going to be tough, it is going to be very tough.”

Boreham Wood's last game ended in a 4-2 defeat to National League surprise package Harrogate Town - and Garrard is keen to see his side bounce back at the first possible opportunity.

And after a week focusing on Pools' strengths, the manager is happy to have seen his troops re-group after a disappointing result.

He added: “It has been a good week where we have really re-grouped and homed in on what we need to improve on and work on, in terms of the opposition."