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From PE teaching to Luke Garrard, Boreham Wood maverick Max Rush reveals everything ahead of National League play-off final
What makes the National League so compelling is its stories, and they do not come more gripping than Boreham Wood's Matt Rush.
From delivery driver to PE teacher, the 25-year-old has done what he has needed to do to succeed in football, and now he is on the cusp of a return to League Two.
This weekend, Rush, who has already bagged 26 league goals, will lead the line for Luke Garrard's army in the play-off final against Rochdale, and while his team might be underdogs, Rush only has one objective in mind.
"We're going there to get promoted," he exclusively told DAZN News.
"We know we've been underdogs a lot this season, and we know how good Rochdale have been and how they deserve promotion, but we've deserved it with how we've played this season."
Matt Rush and Boreham Wood brimming with confidence
The Wood have had a long, old season, and Sunday's play-off final will mark their 59th match in all competitions this term.
Having already lifted the National League Cup, Boreham Wood finished the campaign in fourth, defeating Forest Green Rovers and Carlisle United on their way to the play-off finals.
What makes the club's rise even more spectacular is that they were promoted via the National League South play-offs last season and have blown so many teams away with their devastating front line of Rush, Zak Brunt and Abdul Abdulmalik, who have 68 goals between them.
Indeed, Rush, who is no stranger to the play-offs, believes that Boreham Wood have the quality and the know-how to upset the favourites and get over the line at the home of football.
"The last four seasons I've been in the play-offs," he said.
"Last year, we went through it where we were out against Dorking with 10 minutes to go. We came back and won, and then obviously in the final, we managed to win 1-0.
"That will only help the players that are still here. Obviously, winning that game, we know what it takes to get over the line in a big game, and the celebrations if you do win are all worth it."
While these occasions have often been fuelled by tension because of the sheer weight of what is at stake, the forward believes his side will face no such feelings.
"We've had a few boys who have won at Wembley already in the changing room, and obviously the boys from the [National League] South last year.
"We're no strangers to the game. Obviously, it's a big game, but there's not going to be nerves where we've not experienced it as a club together.
"We've got a game plan, and we believe we're going to win."
How Rush is inspiring the children of tomorrow
Rush has played League Two football before, albeit only a handful of matches, but he has had to rebuild his career in the Non-League to get back to where he is today.
The former Southend United man had to drop down the divisions and go part-time, but rather than rest on his laurels, he kept himself busy by any means necessary.
"A couple of years ago, for a few months, I found myself part-time, and I needed something to do," he explained.
"I've done a bit of delivery driving, and I worked as a PE teacher. We get Wednesdays off during the week, so sometimes I continue to help out.
"I'm quite close with the owner of the company. If he ever needs anyone, it's better than sitting at home. It keeps me active."
Rush's work in the community cannot be underestimated as his dedication to coaching and supporting schoolchildren shows them a path to success, and they will be willing him on under the Wembley Arch on Sunday.
"I've had quite a few messages from parents that they're coming to the game and that their kids are going to come and watch, so that will obviously be nice for them that their teacher will be at Wembley, and he's about to play in the final."
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Life under Luke Garrard
Both managers on Sunday have been on incredible journeys with their respective clubs, with Garrard having been at Meadow Park for just over a decade.
The 40-year-old has become a symbol of Boreham Wood over that time, and it would be fitting if he were the man to take the club to dizzying new heights.
"A lot of credit has to go to the gaffer," admitted Rush, clearly fond of his head coach.
"The style of football we now play is completely different to how we used to, and to be fair to him and his staff, the analysis we do is spot on every week.
"It resembles how he is as a person, how hard he works, and that's exactly how he wants us to be as players."
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While the Non-League was built on one-dimensional, direct play, Garrard deploys an attractive, attacking brand of football, and his man-management ability is clearly rubbing off on the players.
"Everyone respects him a lot, and he does the same for his players," he continued.
"You want to play under him, especially me. When I signed, he told me what he wanted from me.
"Some gaffers you can't really speak to, but he's definitely one where he takes you under his wing, and he gives you advice.
"Obviously, as a club, it would be massive for us to get promotion, but he definitely deserves it."
Rush calls for three promotion spots
On Sunday, it will be Rochdale who stand in Boreham Wood's way and given how they missed out on the title and automatic promotion by just two points on the final day, many will be urging them on to victory at Wembley.
The 3UP campaign expectedly came into focus at the back end of the season, with National League ambassador Jeff Stelling ridiculing the current system and calling for a third promotion spot to League Two.
"You see York and Rochdale's points totals, you deserve to go up when you get 100-plus points, so I think it needs to change," Rush said when asked about the current system.
"The level of the National League and League Two is very close compared to what it used to be, and I think more than two teams deserve to get promoted.
"You've seen it with Barnet and Oldham. Teams go up there, Wrexham too, they do well, and they hold their own.
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Boreham Wood's rise to the brink of the EFL has been no fluke. It is a plan that has been masterminded for years, but that ambition is clearly being felt in the stands and in the dressing room.
Indeed, Rush vividly remembers what he was told when he signed for the club from Sutton United, and it has spurred him on during his year and a half with the club.
"When I first spoke to the chairman and the gaffer, they fully said that we're getting promoted back into the National League and we're not done there," he stated.
"We want to get to the EFL. And I believe them in what they're saying.
"I know that it's a family-run club and how hard they work. There'll be no better feeling than getting back-to-back promotions with them.
"I do believe if we get there, that we can establish ourselves as an EFL club."
Rush then earmarked Bromley's achievement of securing successive promotions from the fifth tier to League One, and their comparison to the Wood will surely be referenced should they win on Sunday.
Like any great journey, Rush and Boreham Wood have endured many setbacks, but they are united to create new history, and should they achieve it, it will be talked about for generations.
How to watch Boreham Wood vs. Rochdale exclusively on DAZN
The play-off finals for all three divisions in the National League will be available on DAZN for £14.99 with an NLTV Season Pass.
From next season, DAZN will have more National League coverage than ever before with:
- 400+ National League games live on DAZN from the 26/27 season
- Every National League team live at least 30 times a season
- A selection of National League North and National League South matches is available every month
- Every playoff game live
NLTV on DAZN is available on any device, including Smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles, and, for viewers in the UK, your Sky box.
If you do not have the App already, then just follow these instructions....
- Download the free DAZN App from your normal App store on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device
- On a laptop or PC, visit www.DAZN.com/home
- Select 'Get started' or 'log in'
- Enter your email address, or sign up via the Apple, Google, or Facebook options
- You then have access to all of DAZN's free content, including the Matchroom boxing channel, LIV Golf, and FIFA+
- Then find the National League page and click 'buy now'
For more information and to sign up, head here now.
*3pm Saturday kick-offs are subject to TV blackout restrictions, but available to watch later on Saturday on demand
