Bees Knees

OK, here goes with my first story on these forums. Playing with FM2006 (I bought FM2008 but never got round to playing it!). Got England down to L2, plus top division from each of Spain, Italy, France, Germany, with normal size database.

Goals – Ultimately to get the Arsenal job, and win the treble with them. To get there, take Barnet as far as possible. Preferably no other changes of club, but should vacancies at Luton, Southampton, or York occur, these may be considered. A strong emphasis on setting as many (good) club records as possible during spell with each club. Ideally, player records should be set by players who have been signed under my management.

Preseason 2005/2006

Summer 2005, and I find myself in new employment as League 2 Barnet's manager. The fans' reaction to my appointment was surprisingly positive. The club expects a relegation battle this season and there is only £10K to spend and wage budget of £11.5K per week. Stadium capacity is 5500, with 2500 seated. Barnet have adequate training facilities. The squad is poor, but reasonably well balanced. We are a bit short on goalkeepers, and most players are on reasonably long contracts. Barnet's highest ever placing was 3rd in League 2, so my first challenge is to beat that. Grazioli is the record league goalscorer with 53, while ex-player Paul Wilson holds the record for most league apps at 263.

Staff

Barnet have no assistant manager, and this proved one of the challenges of the first weeks. There weren't any suitable unemployed candidates, and those already in jobs couldn’t be poached due to the large amount of compensation (c. £50K) required. Eventually I did manage to hire Steve Castle from St. Albans, who only required £6K compensation, using up over half my transfer budget. Lee Zabek was appointed as coach and Rob Campkin as scout. The club had three physios, none of whom particularly excel. They will be replaced when their contracts run out.

Squad Notebook

Goalkeepers

Ross Flitney is first choice keeper at age 21. His only backup is an inexperienced youth keeper. I will look to loan another keeper for the season, and try to pick one up on a free in close season.

Defence

Ian Hendon is the most experienced defender at age 33, and is also a coach. His salary of £900 is one of the highest in the squad though. He will be first choice right-back with Damien Batt or Louie Soares providing cover.

Simon King is a solid DLC who will probably be first choice left-back this season. At age 22, there is potential for him to develop. Adam Gross is a promising youngster providing left-back cover, while 24 year old left-back Simon Clist may prove surplus to requirements.

At centre-back, 20 year old Ismail Yakubu is a strong performer with great potential. He will be joined by 19 year old new £1K signing Danny O'Donnell from Liverpool who also looks an excellent prospect. Anthony Charles can play in the centre or left-side of defence and will probably be a regular on the bench.

Midfield

Veteran Andy Hessenthaler is still going strong at 39, and is first choice as club captain. He can play in the centre or on the right, and realistically we need to look for a replacement for him this season. Paulo Vernazza, 25, is one of the club’s strongest in central midfield, and Richard Graham, 26, is a quality left winger. Promising young attacking midfielder Nicky Bailey who can play centrally or on the right looks likely to be a first team starter as well, and potential for club captain.

As for backup, there are no other left-wingers at all, which will hopefully be rectified by a couple of loan signings. Dean Sinclair is an attacking central midfielder with some potential, and Ben Bowditch also provides midfield cover. Defensive midfielder Dwayne Lee may prove surplus to requirements. On the right-hand side, Liam Hatch will no doubt be a regular on the bench, as he can also play as a striker.

Attack

Ben Strevens, 25, is probably the club’s best forward, and he can also play on the right side of midfield. 30 year old Guiliano Grazioli and 23 year old Tresor Kandol are most likely strike partners, with Jason Norville, 21, also providing cover. These three players are unlikely to get many starts, but when they do they will need to demonstrate their worth quickly if they are not to be offloaded at the end of their contracts. Reserve striker Lee Roache doesn't look too promising, but his wage is low, so he can at least see out his contract.

Contracts

Ben Strevens and Richard Graham were both offered new contracts immediately as they are easily first team players. Dean Sinclair was offered a new contract on the strength of a coach’s high praise of his potential, but he rejected it, wanting a more important role in the team. We will wait to see whether he is worth it or not. I will hold out also on Ross Flitney’s new contract, to see whether he will be first choice keeper next season or not. Strikers Grazioli and Kandol unfortunately have a few years left on their contracts, and are among the highest paid players, even though they don’t feature prominently in my future plans.

Loan signings

Four season long loan signings were finally made, after many rejections.

Johannes Djourou – a solid defensive midfielder from Arsenal

Alex Rhodes – a very exciting pacey striker / left winger from Brentford. Looks like a first team certainty.

Abdeltarek Sakali – another striker / winger from Blackburn

Michael Poke – backup goalkeeper from Southampton – may even be better than Flitney

Training

Training was split into positions, with a different regime for defenders, full-backs, midfielders etc. Unwanted backup players were also given training for a second position. This will make them more versatile if they do get a go on the bench, and may even increase their chances of getting sold.

Tactics

My intended tactics for the season will be 4-4-2, with one attacking and one defensively minded central midfielder. For away games, the strikers will be encouraged to drift wider and we will play more defensively, with a view to counter-attacking.

Pkd     Name                  Wage Exp  Age  Value    
GK      Ross Flitney       FT £500 2006 21 | £5K     | 
DRC     Ian Hendon         KP £900 2008 33 | £10K    | 
DLC     Simon King         FT £450 2007 22 | £18K    | 
DC      Ismail Yakubu      RO £500 2008 20 | £12K    | 
DC      Danny O'Donnell    FT £300 2008 19 | £18K    | 
MRC     Andy Hessenthaler  KP £800 2006 39 | £2K     | 
AML     Richard Graham     FT £950 2007 26 | £16K    | 
AMRC    Nicky Bailey       BU £500 2007 21 | £24K    | 
MC      Paolo Vernazza     KP £700 2009 25 | £18K    | 
AMRC,FC Ben Strevens       KP £750 2008 25 | £24K    | 
AML,ST  Alex Rhodes        -  £0   2006 23 | £28K    | 
GK      Michael Poke       -  £0   2006 19 | £14K    | 
DM      Johannes Djourou   -  £0   2006 18 | £1.1M   | 
DLC     Anthony Charles    FT £400 2007 24 | £6K     | 
AMRL,ST Abdeltareck Sakali -  £0   2006 19 | £675K   | 
AMR,ST  Liam Hatch         RO £400 2008 23 | £12K    | 
MC      Ben Bowditch       RO £350 2006 21 | £14K    | 
ST      Giuliano Grazioli  RO £800 2008 30 | £28K    | 
DL      Simon Clist        BU £500 2007 24 | £9K     | 
AMC     Dean Sinclair      BU £500 2006 20 | £18K    | 
D/MR    Louie Soares       RO £300 2006 20 | £7K     | 
D/WBL   Adam Gross         RO £400 2006 19 | £8K     |
ST      Lee Roache         HP £150 2006 21   £4K
D/WB/MR Damien Batt        BU £700 2006 20   £5K
DMC     Dwane Lee          BU £400 2006 25   £14K
MRC     Luke Hickie        BU £220 2005 19   £2K
GK      Ryan Jones         BU £45  2005 16   -

Preseason Friendlies

The friendlies got off to a goal filled if slightly disappointing start, with a 4-4 draw away to lowly Nuneaton, with Grazioli scoring two. A 1-0 home defeat to a strong Charlton reserve side followed. But with 2-0 win at Canvey Island, followed by a good performance in a 1-1 draw with Luton and this Barnet side were beginning to show some promise. A 5-1 trouncing of Sutton United was the perfect way to finish off the pre-season, with Strevens and new loan signing Rhodes getting two goals apiece.

Season Goals

The board and fans expect a relegation battle. My main goal is to strengthen the squad, and get the finances a bit healthier. A mid-table finish will do just fine this season.

August 2005, Barnet in League 2

6 Aug 2005 L2 H Macclesfield (1-0) 2-1 Bailey, Sakali

The season almost got off to the perfect start for my first competitive match in charge, but Alex Rhodes' 2nd minute goal was disallowed. We remained generally on top in the first half and Nicky Bailey deservedly put us ahead before half time. In an even second half Macclesfield equalised in 69th minute. A 1-1 first result looked likely until a last gasp 92nd minute winner from substitute loan signing Abdeltarek Sakali gave Barnet all three points. A most satisfactory beginning to my managerial career.

9 Aug 2005 L2 A Bury (1-3) 4-3 Rhodes, Strevens 2, Graham

An unbelievable second game. Went ahead through Rhodes in 3rd minute, before conceding three soft goals, one a gift from Hendon. Ian Hendon had the chance to redeem himself by taking a penalty before half time, but he hit it straight at the keeper. The second half fight-back was incredible, largely thanks to some great pace from Rhodes on the left wing. Strevens scored two, and there was enough time for Hessenthaler to miss an absolute sitter before Richard Graham put us ahead again in the 84th minute with a calm lob in a one-on-one with the keeper (which later came third in the goal of the month competition). We survived a couple of late scares to run out deserved 4-3 winners. The board expressed their pleasure at the style shown by the team.

13 Aug 2005 L2 H Torquay (1-0) 2-0 Strevens 2

Survived an early scare from Torquay's dangerous striker Kuffour. Went on to take the lead when Strevens slotted the rebound home calmly after Bailey hit the bar with a ferocious effort. Directly after half time, Strevens doubled the lead with a beautifully taken free kick that Torquay appeared to be hardly ready for. Sub Sakali was unlucky not to make it three in the dying minutes as Torquay were restricted to merely speculative efforts from the edge of the box. Barnet's astonishing start to the season leaves us in second place in the table with 9 points out of 9 for the relegation candidates!

18 Aug 2005

Transfer listed my first players – Norville and Kandol. We have plenty of striker cover in the squad and both have inflated wages. Amazingly, bids came in immediately for these two distinctly average players.

20 Aug 2005 L2 A Rochdale (0-1) 0-1

Was able to field an unchanged starting lineup for the fourth game in a row. The match had a lively start with both teams spurning numerous glorious chances in the first ten minutes. We were the better team, but found ourselves a goal down after 33 minutes. The second half was less frenetic, and Strevens uncharacteristically wasted a number of good chances. The introduction of three attacking substitutes midway through the second half didn't have the desired effect, as we sank to our first defeat of the season.

24 Aug 2005 LC1 H Swindon (1-0) 1-0 Strevens

First round of the league cup and at home to Swindon from League 1. Despite being under pressure from the start, we had our chances and Rhodes drew a fine save from the Swindon keeper in the 10th minute. Then on 32 minutes, Graham broke free on the left wing and floated in the perfect cross for Strevens to head home. The second half was thankfully relatively quiet, and we survived a scare on 72 minutes as Swindon headed narrowly wide. Strevens found himself clean through on goal twice towards the end but failed to make it count. We hung on to secure our first prize money of the season - £20,000.

25 Aug 2005

Tresor Kandol was first out of the door under the new management, going to Torquay for £12,000, despite not having played any competitive matches since his signing for £50,000 by my predecessor. Still, the Torquay fans were less than impressed with their new signing, complaining that he would "disrupt the harmony".

26 Aug 2005

Signed Michael Jordan from Arsenal on a 5 month loan for extra goalkeeper cover. Hopefully next season we will pick up a permanent goalkeeper or two, but we needed two in the squad who could realistically play at League 2 level.

27 Aug 2005 L2 H Wycombe (2-0) 2-0 Grazioli 2

Made the first change to the starting lineup of the season, giving Grazioli his first appearance and resting the tired Rhodes. Grazioli came close to scoring with his first touch of the season, and on 4 minutes the club record goalscorer had opened his season's account. He made it two on 20 minutes after yet another one-on-one with the keeper. Worryingly, Strevens came off injured in the first half. The second half was quieter, with Wycombe still failing to threaten, and Grazioli missing a good chance of a hat-trick. All in all, another superb performance from Barnet.

28 Aug 2005

Jason Norville leaves for Accrington for £3K, also having made no appearances since his signing on a free transfer in the summer. This meant that our wage budget now creeps under the wage budget of £11.5 and we have £14K of transfer budget that may prove useful in the January window.

29 Aug 2005 L2 A Carlisle (0-2) 2-3 Rhodes, Hatch

A cagey start against Carlisle's unconventional formation resulted in very few chances, but Carlisle took the lead with a 24th minute penalty after Hendon pushed an opponent in the box. Then on the stroke of half-time, Carlisle doubled their lead with a lovely placed finish from Murray on the edge of the box. The second half wasn't much better for a lack-lustre Barnet, who went three down after 58 minutes. Substitute Liam Hatch was able to set up an easy goal for Rhodes on 74 minutes, and in the 88th minute, Hatch got his first of the season, but it was too late. Carlisle were rewarded for making the most of their few chances.

3 Sep 2005 A L2 Notts Co (1-1) 1-1 Hatch

Our first selection challenge of the season as Rhodes was injured and Yakubu and Djourou were on U21 duty. This meant Charles got his first start of the season and Sinclair, Lee and Batt were on the substitutes bench for the first time. Hatch marked his first start of the season with a stunning goal after only 20 seconds, set up by Hessenthaler's good work on the wing. Notts Co were level after Flitney inexplicably tried to take an extra touch rather than clearing the ball on the edge of his box, only to be dispossessed. Hatch had a chance to put Barnet back in front only to pull his shot horribly wide with only the keeper to beat. In the second half, Notts County had the chances to win the match and should have done so in the closing seconds. We were more than happy to take a point away from the game.

10 Sep 2005 H L2 Rushden (1-0) 3-1 Strevens, Hatch 2

Was able to field a close to full-strength side against in-form Rushden and Strevens came close to marking his return with a first minute goal. Vernazza left the field injured after only 8 minutes. Strevens broke the deadlock with a placed header on 23 minutes. Flitney continues to frighten supporters with his precarious dwelling on the ball on the edge of his area, but ex-Barnet keeper Tynan strayed inexplicably out of his area to allow Hatch to score easily from fully 45 yards out. We were unfortunate to concede on 76 minutes after Yakubu fluffed a clearance, but he made amends with a great through ball for Hatch to make it certain in the closing minutes.

17 Sep 2005 H L2 Peterborough (0-0) 0-0

A first half short on chances finished goalless, and the second half was little better. A goalless draw was a fair result with neither side creating much.

21 Sep 2005 A LC2 Derby (0-1) 0-1

"Barnet face the impossible" was the media's gloomy assessment of our chances in the second round of the league cup, but we started brightly and even had some half-decent chances, with Rhodes and Graham combining well on the left. However, Derby took the lead on 27 minutes thanks to a superb lob from Smith and Strevens missed two great chances to equalise in the following minutes. Some desperate defending from King kept the score at 1-0 at half time. Derby should have extended their lead in the second half on a number of occasions but Flitney's heroics kept the final score to a respectable 1-0 defeat.

24 Sep 2005 L2 A Wrexham (0-4) 0-4

It was a disastrous start against a Wrexham side playing with a packed midfield as Ferguson scored a 30 yard curler in the first minute. On 10 minutes, the Barnet defence were sliced open again. Things went from bad to worse on 13 minutes as we went 3 down. Thankfully a fourth before the half-hour mark was disallowed, but a cruel deflection minutes later and we were being humiliated. The team had to face the wrath of their manager at half-time for the first time this season, but there was to be no spirited fight-back. We did at least keep Wrexham out in the second half, as we fell to our worst defeat of the season.

27 Sep 2005 L2 H Bristol Rovers (1-0) 1-0 Graham

We desperately need to put an end to our three match goal drought against struggling Bristol Rovers. For the first half, hour we did little to suggest that we might turn things round, but a well placed free kick from Graham put us ahead and we missed a fine chance to go in two up at the break. In the second half, we survived a scare as O'Donnell nearly put past his own keeper. Bristol Rovers kept pressing dangerously and squandered many chances to draw level. It wasn't pretty, but we are back to winning ways and hang on to third place in the league.

August & September Summary

An awesome start to the season, although perhaps things are not looking so good after some poor recent performances. The opening months have given a good chance to assess the squad. New signing O’Donnell has been outstanding, and Strevens and Graham have shown their quality. Loanee Rhodes has been excellent and is a target to bring to the club permanently. Outside the first team, Grazioli and Hatch have both excelled when given the chance.

We need to bring in at least one new keeper (Flitney’s lack of composure on the ball is a liability, and we need more cover), a right-back (Hendon is overpaid and inconsistent), a right-sided midfielder and captain (Hessenthaler can’t have many seasons left), a left winger (we have no backup for Graham) and a striker (preferably someone pacey like Rhodes who can double as a winger).

1 Oct 2005 L2 A Lincoln (0-1) 0-2

Another lacklustre start from Barnet, and we were behind on 24 minutes. A stunning save from Flitney was required to prevent it being two shortly afterwards. A second half change of formation couldn't change our fortunes though, as King missed an easy clearance to let Lincoln take a two-goal lead. Substitute Hatch made a real difference, creating our best chances of the game, but Lincoln held on for a deserved win.

11 Oct 2005 L2 A Cheltenham (1-0) 2-0 Graham, Hatch

We could have done without another away tie against an in-form team, and yet again struggled at the start to cope with a 3-4-3 formation. But we did manage to catch Cheltenham on the counter attack on a number of occasions, and Graham put us 1-0 up midway through the first half. On 64 minutes, Rhodes missed an absolute sitter. Hatch again looked dangerous again as he came on as a sub, and scored into an empty net after Strevens dispossessed the Cheltenham keeper. After a shaky start, we ended up deserved 2-0 winners, and amazingly jumped from 8th to 2nd in the league, prompting praise for the manager from media, players and chairman alike.

15 Oct 2005 L2 A Grimsby (0-1) 1-2 Strevens

Our third away game in a row, and yet again against strong opposition playing a 3-4-3 formation. Batt got his first start of the season, replacing the suspended Hendon. We did get a few good chances on the counter-attack, but conceded with the last kick of the first half. We started the second half brightly and Strevens was desperately unlucky not to equalise with a vicious long shot that struck the bar. However, on 69 minutes he got it exactly right with a perfectly placed free kick into the top corner to draw Barnet level. Despite dominating the second half, heartbreak followed in the 83rd minute as Grimsby regained the lead. We were gutted at missing a chance to draw level with leaders Mansfield on points.

17 Oct 2005

We've added unemployed French coach Blaquart to the staff at Barnet. He'll need to brush up on his English, but he's a cut above the rest of the coaching staff at the club.

18 Oct 2005 LDVSR1 A Bristol R (0-2) 1-2 Rhodes

Yet another away game, this time a cup tie, and we were two goals down with only quarter of an hour gone. A great start to the second half saw Rhodes break his goal drought to pull it back to 2-1, and Graham missed a glorious opportunity to level on 73 minutes. We were unlucky losers for the second game running.

22 Oct 2005 L2 A Boston (0-2) 0-3

A fifth away game on the bounce, and Strevens had a goal disallowed for offside midway through the first half. We went behind to a 30 yard screamer on 26 minutes, and were two down before half time. We made more opportunities for ourselves in the second half but were down to 10 men on 70 minutes after the card-happy referee showed Yakubu his second yellow. We conceded a third right near the end due to a diabolical 60 yard backpass from substitute Sakali leaving Flitney in an impossible predicament.

26 Oct 2005 L2 H Stockport (0-0) 0-0

At last a home tie, but Stockport started the stronger of the two teams. Neither side were able to create real clear-cut opportunities, although in the second half, we had the better of the few chances there were.

29 Oct 2005 L2 H Leyton Orient (0-1) 1-1 Hatch

The Orient manager tried to stir up some controversy before the game, and though I tried to respond positively, there was a mixed reaction from my players. Orient did seem more up for it than Barnet, and took a deserved lead on the half-hour. Despite a stern half-time talk, things were little better in the second half. Hatch made yet another inspired substitute appearance to draw the score level on 83 minutes.

5 Nov 2005 FA1 A Tranmere (1-0) 1-1 Grazioli

First round FA cup away to strong League 1 side Tranmere and suspensions meant that both wingers Hessenthaler and Graham were unable to start for the first time this season. We kept Tranmere to a minimum of chances and were rewarded for our hard work as Streven's great run set up Grazioli for an easy finish. In the second half, we kept things tight, and had the better of the chances with Rhodes and Hatch failing to convert close range headers. Then in the 92nd minute, disaster struck as Greenacre's miss-hit cross left Flitney stranded and Tranmere grabbed a draw.

12 Nov 2005 L2 H Oxford (2-2) 4-5 Hatch 2, Bailey, Rhodes

After 6 games without a win, we have slipped to 11th in the table. Oxford are struggling in the league, but still bookies favourites to beat us. We got off to a fine start as the in-form Hatch put us ahead after just 3 minutes. The lead was short-lived as Oxford scored from a well-taken free kick. Hatch was on hand though to finish off after Strevens and Bailey's shots had been stopped. But yet again Oxford drew level on the half-hour mark with a penalty. We were unlucky to go in at the break level after dominating the first half. 45 seconds into the second half and we were ahead for the third time, this time Hatch using his aerial ability to set up Bailey for a powerful finish. Hatch then had a third goal disallowed for offside. Agonisingly, in the 74th minute Oxford were level yet again, with their third goal in as many shots on target in the match, but Barnet went straight down the other end, and this time Bailey set up substitute Rhodes to restore our lead. Two minutes later and Hatch had yet another goal disallowed, and Oxford responded by equalising for the fourth time after Strevens' woeful backpass presented Oxford's Basham with an empty net. Basham went on to complete his hat-trick in the 94th minute. Despite dominating the match, we had conceded from all five of Oxford's shots on target. We must surely look to strengthen the defence in the transfer window.

19 Nov 2005 FA1R H Tranmere (1-0) 1-0 Strevens

A FA Cup home tie against League 1 leaders Nottingham Forest is the reward up for grabs in this match. Loan keeper Michael Poke was given a chance to impress after Flitney's miserable performance in the previous match. As in the first match, we were equal to the League 1 side, and found ourselves a goal up just before half time as Strevens finished off Batt's superb through ball. We were also a man up at the break as Tranmere had a player dismissed for a professional foul. We dominated the second half and some uncharacteristic poor finishing from Hatch prevented us from making it safe. Nonetheless, we hung on to make it into the FA Cup second round.

26 Nov 2005 L2 H Mansfield (3-0) 3-0 Rhodes 2, Hatch

An unchanged side was fielded, and Rhodes put Barnet ahead after just 10 minutes against high-flying Mansfield. Rhodes looked lively throughout the first half and could easily have scored a hat-trick. His hard work was rewarded on 38 minutes as he made it two. Two minutes later Rhodes turned provider for Hatch to make it three. The second half proved much quieter as Mansfield looked to keep the damage down. At last we returned to winning ways in the league.

30 Nov 2005 L2 A Shrewsbury (0-0) 1-1 Hatch

Away to struggling Shrewsbury, we were hopeful of building on recent successes. Our job was made easier as Shrewsbury were reduced to 10 men in the first half, but Barnet failed to make the most of the man advantage. Shrewsbury were the stronger side in the second half, but Poke made some strong saves as he looks for his third clean sheet in a row. Sadly it wasn't to be as Shrewsbury caught us on the break in the 80th minute. There was almost a fairytale ending as substitute reserve Lee Roache thought he'd equalised in the 88th minute on his first appearance of the season, but it was ruled out with a controversial offside decision. However, justice was done when in the dying seconds of injury time, Hatch intercepted a poor backpass to put away his tenth of the season.

October and November Summary

After a disappointing spell, things are looking up again for Barnet. Hatch has emerged as a strong first team contender, and Strevens may be more suited to playing on the right, replacing 40 year old Hessenthaler. Rhodes will definitely be offered a first team contract in the transfer window. Hendon has not been producing displays worthy of a first team place, but Batt is hardly inspiring as a replacement. A quality right-back must be signed at the first opportunity. New contracts have been offered to players, but no one is being allowed to increase their wages by more than a small amount due to our tight financial situation.

Good start, Mark. It's a long way from Barnet to Arsenal though.

Thanks Spav, perhaps I should have kept my long-term ambitions to myself ... somehow I don't think Arsenal will be knocking at my door any time soon after seeing my form in December...

3 Dec 2005 H FA2 Nottingham Forest (0-0) 0-0

This was never going to be easy, and we found ourselves under pressure from the start, but kept Forest's chances to a minimum. Things were looking up in the second half until we conceded a penalty, but again Poke was the hero in goal and kept Forest out. Reserve striker Roache was given another chance as sub and nearly grabbed a winner in the dying minutes, but we held on for a respectable draw.

6 Dec 2005 A L2 Northampton (1-0) 1-0 Batt

A difficult away tie against third placed Northampton, but we took the lead thanks to a wonder goal from right-back Batt, lobbing the keeper from the right wing with an overhit cross. Barnet held on to record an excellent win, with Poke keeping yet another clean sheet, and increasing his chances of being offered a permanent deal. The bad news was that Graham, Hatch and Bailey all sustained injuries, which is likely to expose the woeful lack of cover in our squad.

10 Dec 2005 L2 H Chester (0-0) 0-1

For the first time this season, the bookies actually believe that Barnet can win a game! This is of course because Chester are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table. Still our injury list meant that we couldn't field as strong a side as we would have liked. The injury crisis got worse as Vernazza was stretchered off after 18 minutes. Chester restricted the number of Barnet chances and all looked set for a bore draw until we conceded a 93rd minute penalty.

14 Dec 2005 FA2R A Nottingham Forest (1-1) 1-2 Strevens

We knew we needed a miracle to get a win against a side of Forest's stature, especially with so many first team players out, so it was no surprise that we were a goal down within 10 minutes. We didn't collapse though, and fashioned some good chances for ourselves. Our efforts were rewarded when Forest failed to clear a corner properly and Strevens headed in Hessenthaler's cross. In the second half, we withheld more Forest pressure until we finally cracked as Sinclair's poor pass gave Holt an easy chance to make it 2-1 to Forest. We're out of the FA Cup, but as the saying goes, now we can "concentrate on the league".

17 Dec 2005 L2 A Darlington (1-0) 1-2 Grazioli

Grazioli put us ahead after just 12 minutes winning a great header in the 6 yard box. He came close to scoring an identical goal 2 minutes later. Darlington eventually got their equaliser in the 75th minute. It was a game that we could and maybe even should have won, but for the second league game in a row, we conceded in the 93rd minute.

26 Dec 2005 L2 A Macclesfield (0-1) 0-2

We created plenty of chances and should have gone in ahead at the break, but conceded a penalty in the last minute of the first half – Yakubu the culprit not for the first time this season. Barnet continued to pour forward in the second half but couldn't find that elusive equaliser. To make matters worse, Yakubu conceded yet another penalty to consign us to a two goal defeat against one of the worst teams in the league.

28 Dec 2005 L2 H Rochdale (0-1) 0-1

We needed to put three miserable league performances behind us, but didn't get off to the best of starts as King scored an unfortunate own goal. We failed to produce enough chances to turn things round as we sank to our fourth league defeat in a row.

1 Jan 2006

With virtually no money available for transfers, my strategy was to make an offer to just about every player I came across who can kick a ball and whose contract is expiring. I don't expect most will come, but three or four would be great. Loan keeper Michael Poke was first to sign, and could well be first choice next season. Alex Rhodes proved impossible to get, because we needed to pay compensation and Brentford wouldn't sell him for less than his value. Hendon was put on the transfer list. Experienced striker Adam Proudlock and young centre-back James Smith also accepted our offers.

2 Jan 2006 A L2 Torquay (1-0) 1-0 Graham

After a fairly quiet first half, we immediately took the lead through Graham at the start of the second. We had to endure some sustained Torquay pressure towards the end of the match but held on to put an end to our run of five straight defeats.

3 Jan 2006

Another experienced striker on board for next season, as Dean Sturridge accepts an offer. Young left winger Joe Tillen from Chelsea and right-sided experienced midfielder Sammy Igoe also signed, bringing the total number of new players in up to six. Some of the new signings are a bit of a gamble, but at the very least should give us strength in depth for next season. Players likely to go in the summer are Hessenthaler, Hendon, Clist, Grazioli, Lee, Soares, plus possibly Roache and Bowditch. There are still another five or so players considering contract offers. I’m banking on getting a slightly increased wage budget for next season, but if not, we may need to release some more backup players.

4 Jan 2006 L2 H Bury (2-0) 4-0 Sakali, Vernazza 2, Rhodes

We were on the back foot for much of the first half, but went ahead against the run of play as loan signing Sakali sloted home after Strevens played him in. In fact Sakali played extremely well in his first game as a striker after a number of below par performances on the left wing. We stepped up our game and Vernazza put away a beautifully placed free kick to see us two goals up at the break. The second half was more evenly balanced, but we went further ahead after Djourou's excellent through ball put Rhodes in for a third. A great day for Barnet was rounded off as Vernazza was on hand to put away the rebound from Grazioli's shot. We are now comfortably mid-table in 12th position.

7 Jan 2006 L2 A Wycombe (1-0) 2-0 Rhodes, Sakali

Not the best of starts as Strevens came off injured after only 30 seconds. It was a half of few clear-cut chances, but Rhodes eventually broke clear of the defence to put us ahead. In the second half strikers Rhodes and Sakali combined well to create some good chances for each other, forcing some great saves from the Wycombe keeper. In the closing moments of the game, Sinclair's cross set up Sakali to head home to make the three points safe. Sakali was man of the match for the second game running, demonstrating that his preferred position is clearly striker. After the game it became clear that Simon King, an ever present so far this season was in need of a break. Since we have good cover at left-back that has not been used yet, I gave him two weeks off. Streven's injury is a shocker, and is likely to keep him out the side for the rest of the season.

9 Jan 2006

We nearly signed our highest profile player yet, Goran Bunjevcevic, but were unable to obtain a work permit for him.

13 Jan 2006

Our seventh summer signing confirmed today. Dean Smith, a young right-back from Chelsea. He's mentally much stronger than Batt who has displaced Hendon at right-back, but technically they are similar.

14 Jan 2006 L2 H Carlisle (0-1) 2-1 Grazioli, Rhodes

After three straight wins and three clean sheets in a row, this was a real chance to demonstrate that we can show some consistency. The first half was pretty even, but we were a goal down after 35 minutes. We needed to produce many more chances in the second half if they were to turn things round, but never really looked like scoring until substitute Grazioli finally got the breakthrough we were looking for in the 78th minute. We went on to press for a winner and it came after a goalmouth scramble as Rhodes powered home a shot. It wasn't a vintage Barnet performance, but it meant that we put together an impressive fourth win in a row which lifted us to 9th in the table.

                   P   W   D   L   F   A   GD Pts
1 Wrexham         29  15  10   4  46  25  +21  55
2 Notts Co        29  15   7   7  38  26  +12  52
3 Lincoln         29  14   7   8  41  33   +8  49
4 Cheltenham      29  14   6   9  44  38   +6  48
5 Northampton     29  13   8   8  45  31  +14  47
6 Darlington      29  13   7   9  38  27  +11  46
7 Mansfield       29  13   7   9  38  36   +2  46
8 Grimsby         29  12   9   8  52  47   +5  45
[b] 9 Barnet          29  13   5  11  40  35   +5  44[/b]
10 Stockport       29  13   5  11  43  39   +4  44
11 Peterborough    29  13   4  12  35  31   +4  43
12 Bristol Rovers  29  11   8  10  41  38   +3  41
13 Oxford          29  11   8  10  39  37   +2  41
14 Boston Utd      29  11   7  11  33  31   +2  40
15 Leyton Orient   29  11   7  11  43  46   -3  40
16 Rochdale        29   9   7  13  31  38   -7  34
17 Macclesfield    29   8   9  12  37  46   -9  33
18 Carlisle        29   8   9  12  30  42  -12  33
19 Torquay         29   8   7  14  26  37  -11  31
20 Bury            29   8   6  15  45  50   -5  30
21 Wycombe         29   6  11  12  31  41  -10  29
22 Rushden         29   7   7  15  33  42   -9  28
23 Shrewsbury      29   5  13  11  21  35  -14  28
24 Chester         29   5  10  14  22  41  -19  25 

We are looking very safe now from being involved in any relegation scraps, and despite the injury list, could even push for a place in the playoffs this season, although the next few games feature a number of in-form teams. To be honest I think it would be better if Barnet spend at least one more season in League 2, to allow more time to consolidate the squad, and bring in some players who have the quality for League 1 football.

Name               Apps    Gls Ast MoM  Pas  Tck   Drb  Sh T  AvRat
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Liam Hatch         11 (11) 10    2   1  66%  1.04  2.48  67%  7.09
Richard Graham     31       4    5   2  68%  1.81  2.29  52%  7.06
Ben Strevens       32 (1)   9    7   3  67%  1.27  2.19  56%  7.03
Paolo Vernazza     33 (2)   2    -   1  70%  3.50  0.62  26%  7.03
Michael Poke       14       -    -   -  65%  -     -     -    7.00
Alex Rhodes        25 (2)   9    5   1  69%  0.40  2.62  49%  7.00
Nicky Bailey       28       2    6   -  72%  2.33  0.89  21%  6.96
Damien Batt        16 (1)   1    2   -  63%  4.36  0.62  -    6.94
Simon King         35       -    2   2  64%  3.68  0.43  -    6.94
Danny O'Donnell    36       -    1   1  70%  3.24  0.03  -    6.94
Ismail Yakubu      33       -    2   3  67%  3.55  0.21  -    6.85
Abdeltareck Sakali  7 (10)  3    1   2  60%  1.51  1.72  56%  6.82
Giuliano Grazioli  12 (11)  5    1   2  70%  0.31  1.45  63%  6.74
Anthony Charles     4 (6)   -    -   -  66%  4.84  0.37  -    6.70
Ross Flitney       22       -    -   1  60%  -     -     -    6.68
Dean Sinclair       7 (9)   -    1   -  75%  2.79  1.46  -    6.63
Andy Hessenthaler  24 (6)   -    2   -  62%  3.37  1.62  38%  6.63
Johannes Djourou    5 (13)  -    2   -  71%  2.90  0.54  -    6.61
Ian Hendon         20       -    -   2  55%  4.06  0.31  -    6.55
Lee Roache          1 (6)   -    -   -  54%  -     2.85  45%  6.29
Ben Bowditch        0 (1)   -    -   -    -  9.00  -     -    6.00 

21 Jan 2006 L2 A Peterborough (1-0) 1-0 Rhodes

Our intention to continue this fine run of form got off to the best of starts as Rhodes broke free of the defence to put us a goal up within ten minutes. Some fine goalkeeping from Poke kept the home side at bay. In the second half, we again had the better of the few chances there were. The most disappointing moment of the game for Barnet fans came when striker Rhodes was stretchered off with minutes to play. Our fifth consecutive win puts us in 8th, just on the verge of a playoff place.

22 Jan 2006

More bad news was to follow on the injury front as loan keeper Poke got injured just days before Arsenal keeper Jordan's loan spell at Barnet was ending. Ironically, in defence, we have more than enough cover, and are even able to transfer list Clist. Simon King returns from his 3 week holiday to further strengthen things defensively. Fortunately Nicky Bailey looks like he might be ready for next Saturday's game, but we may need to rush through a loan keeper and striker to get us through the next couple of months.

24 Jan 2006

The striker crisis has eased somewhat thanks to Liam Hatch returning to training today. He's not likely to be ready to start on Saturday, but he could be given a substitute appearance in a bid to get him back to full fitness.

27 Jan 2006

Liverpool striker Michael Nardiello has joined on loan for three months, along with Bolton keeper Sam Ashton. Both should feature on the bench as we look to get past our current injury crisis. Left-back Simon Clist also became the third player to leave Barnet this season. He had played 55 games for the Bees and scored 1 goal, but had not played for the first team at all this season. We also confirmed another summer signing. Arsenal centre-back Abdul Kadir will play for Barnet reserves next season after a scout waxed lyrical about his great potential.

28 Jan 2006 L2 H Notts County (1-2) 1-2 Grazioli

Maintaining the winning streak against second placed Notts County is going to be a tough challenge for Barnet, but we welcome Simon King and Nicky Bailey back into the starting lineup. Flitney is back in goal due to Poke's injury, and Hatch is on the subs bench. We took an early lead as Grazioli was first to the ball in a crowded penalty area, but the lead was shortlived as Notts County caught us on the counter-attack minutes later. Flitney made the most of his opportunity to stake a claim for the number one jersey next season, with some fine saves but was beaten again on 25 minutes as White broke clear of the Barnet defence yet again. Notts County had dominated the first half, but Barnet created a few half-decent chances too. Notts County managed to completely kill off the second half, and our winning streak came to a sorry end.

December and January Summary

After a dreadful December, we have managed to find a bit of form in early January and things are looking up for us again. Abdultarek Sakali won the League 2 player of the month award, and took the opportunity to say how much he enjoys playing at the club. Djourou also spoke of his enjoyment of his time at Barnet. I also picked up my first managerial award, getting manager of the month, despite our hiccup last week.

4 Feb 2006 L2 A Rushden (1-2) 2-4 Sakali, Sinclair

This is a good chance to return to winning ways, as we face a struggling Rushden team. Player of the month Sakali put us ahead in the first minute, but Batt's woefully misplaced pass to Flitney allowed Rushden the easiest goal they will ever score. This gave Rushden a boost to their confidence, and soon they were 2-1 up. We were going to need to create a lot more chances in the second half if we were going to turn things round. Sakali came close to an equaliser on 60 minutes thanks to Djourou's beautiful through ball but was denied by the keeper. Batt's game went from bad to worse as he was sent off in the 61st minute. A minute later, we were 3-1 down, and then 4-1 as Flitney was caught out of position. Sinclair pulled one back on 73 minutes, but it was really too late for a fight-back. Sakali's fine performance was the only positive from this game.

11 Feb 2006 L2 H Lincoln (2-1) 3-1 Sinclair, Bailey (pen), Sakali

We were a touch unlucky to go behind as a mishit cross lobbed Flitney, who pulled off some fine saves to make up for his miserable performance in the previous match. After scoring his first of the season in the previous match, Sinclair made it two with a fabulous strike from outside the area. After a lively and even first half, we were slightly fortunate to go in ahead as we took the lead on the stroke of half time with a penalty converted by Bailey. We needed to be at our best defensively in the second half, but made things a little more comfortable for ourselves in the 64th minute as Graham's good work on the wing put Sakali clear to score. Lincoln continued to press, and Grazioli was unlucky to have a goal disallowed in the closing minutes.

14 Feb 2006 L2 H Wrexham (1-2) 3-2 o.g., Sakali, Grazioli

We needed to be at our best against table-topping Wrexham and were holding our own until Yakubu conceded an 18th minute penalty. We were two down by the 36th minute, and we were desperately unlucky not to pull at least one back straight away, after creating a number of great chances. Our pressure did pay off though in the 41st minute as Hatch pressured Bayliss into scoring an own goal. In the second half, we started strongly, creating some great scoring opportunities and were rewarded in the 64th minute after great work from the Barnet midfield put Sakali through to score. We looked the more likely of the two teams to grab a winner, and it came in the 85th minute as Grazioli capitalised on a defensive error and calmly slotted home. The win against the league leaders moved us back up into a playoff place in 6th.

18 Feb 2006 L2 A Bristol Rovers (0-2) 1-2 Nardiello

We started brightly and Sinclair was very unlucky not to put us in front. Bristol Rovers took the lead against the run of play with virtually their first attack of the game, and minutes later it was two. It got even worse on the half-hour mark as in-form striker Sakali was stretchered off. His replacement Grazioli almost made an immediate impact with two agonisingly close chances. Despite dominating the first half, we went in two goals down. In the second half, we continued to dominate, but just couldn't get the breakthrough we needed. A glimmer of hope came in the 88th minute as substitute Nardiello pulled one back on his Barnet debut, but it was not enough and we were unlucky losers.

25 Feb 2006 L2 A Stockport (0-1) 1-2 Hatch

We were without five strikers for this match, so recent loan signing Nardiello was given a start. The first half was relatively dull until Stockport got a penalty which Shaun Goater converted. Worse was to come as Graham left the field injured and we had no natural replacement available. Flitney's fine performance in goal was the one positive in a poor first half for Barnet. In the second half, Nardiello wasted a glorious opportunity to equalise pulling his shot well wide with only the keeper to beat. We pressed forward, and Hatch came close on a few occasions. In the 73rd minute, Hatch got his breakthrough as he got up well to head home King's free kick. We survived a scare on 83 minutes as Stockport hit the post, and were down to 10 men a minute later as King was sent off for his second bookable offence. Stockport scored directly from the free kick, and we just couldn't find a way back into the game.

Good comprehensive summary. Looking forward to seeing how things turn out!

thanks tenthreeleader

4 Mar 2006 L2 H Cheltenham (0-0) 1-0 Sakali

Poke returned to goal, but were still missing a good number of key players. There was little for Barnet fans to get excited about in the first half. In the second half, Cheltenham continued to enjoy the majority of the chances. We somewhat fortuitously took the lead on 74 minutes as Sakali intercepted a poor defensive pass, but still had work to do and scored with a fine lob from outside the area. We had to withstand some heavy pressure as Cheltenham looked to get back into the game and even hit the woodwork but held on to get back to winning ways. Poke marked his return to the first team with a clean sheet.

11 Mar 2006 L2 A Leyton Orient (0-1) 1-4 o.g.

We welcomed back important players Graham, King and Rhodes for this local derby, although injuries left us short of right-sided midfielders. We were a goal down after only 10 minutes as O'Donnell conceded a penalty. We couldn't create any goalscoring opportunities in the first half. The second half didn't get any better as Leyton Orient were two up on 52 minutes and three by 60 minutes, both goals coming on the counter-attack. We didn't look able to get a goal back and even when Leyton Orient scored a comical own goal, they soon restored their three goal advantage in the 75th minute. This miserable performance saw us drop to 11th in the table. Charles rounded off the bad day by moaning to the press about his lack of first-team football, although he did at least apologise after being told he was a backup player.

18 Mar 2006 L2 H Boston (0-1) 0-1

We needed to raise our game after the embarrassingly poor showing against Leyton Orient. We started brightly enough but failed to convert our chances. For the third time in four matches we went behind to a first half penalty, conceded by Yakubu this time. In the second half, we squandered the few chances we did create, and sunk to another defeat.

25 Mar 2006 L2 A Oxford (1-0) 1-2 Sakali

Oxford have hit some poor form of their own recently, and O'Donnell was dropped from the starting line-up for the first time this season. Oxford were certainly fired up for the game and started strongly. Rhodes failed to capitalise on a number of one-on-ones with the keeper, and had a goal ruled out for offside. Sakali also squandered a great chance, but made up for it in the 39th minute by converting a great cross from Hessenthaler. Oxford were level though in the 54th minute, and were ahead 10 minutes later, both with close-range headers. Charles did little to demonstrate he deserved an extended run in the first team, giving the ball away carelessly towards the end, but Oxford wasted their chance. This run of poor results looks to have wiped out any hopes we had of clinching a play-off place.

February and March Summary

A very disappointing few months, especially as many of the injured first team players were back, and still we couldn't find some form. It’s hard to see what could be done to turn things around, but we can at least look forward to having a much stronger squad next season. Barnet did however offer me a new contract, albeit on a slightly reduced wage. I negotiated a higher wage budget and lower transfer budget, as I still intend to get most players in on free transfers.

1 Apr 2006 L2 H Grimsby (1-0) 1-1 Rhodes

A miserable start saw Sakali dismissed for elbowing an opponent in the first minute. We did take the lead though, as Hatch put Rhodes clear in the 34th minute. Our 10 men bravely held on for much of the second half but Grimsby were eventually level on 75 minutes. Poke's goalkeeping heroics kept us in the game and Bailey put in a fine captain's performance as we held out for a draw.

8 Apr 2006 L2 H Shrewsbury (0-1) 0-1

Poke and O'Donnell were both out, so Flitney and Charles both got another chance for this game against struggling Shrewsbury. We started well, but the Shrewsbury keeper made some fine stops to keep us out. Shrewsbury were ahead on 38 minutes thanks to a well placed free kick. In the second half, we simply didn't create enough chances. Another dismal performance saw us drop into the bottom half of the table for the first time in months.

15 Apr 2006 L2 A Mansfield (0-0) 2-1 Rhodes 2

It was hard to see how a Barnet team so low on morale were going to turn around their poor run of form, and once again it was our opponents who looked the more likely to score in the opening minutes. Rhodes had a goal disallowed for offside in the 34th minute and Flitney needed to be at his best as King carelessly gave the ball away. We took comfort from going in level at half-time. The second half had few chances for either team, and Mansfield somehow contrived to miss an unbelievably easy chance to score into an empty net after Flitney had been dispossessed outside his own area, not for the first time this season. We looked like we were going to hold out for another draw when Mansfield broke clear of the defence went a goal up on 81 minutes. But dramatically, minutes later, Rhodes headed in an equaliser from Hessenthaler's free kick. Both teams had chances to grab a winner in the closing minutes, with Barnet particularly having some great chances. Rhodes did eventually grab a dramatic late winner for us in the 92nd minute, well deserved for his fine performance.

17 Apr 2006 L2 H Northampton (1-0) 1-0 Hatch

With the squad still tired and bruised from their previous encounter two days previously, we were expecting a tough encounter with Northampton. Northampton certainly started the stronger of the two sides, but we started to improve as the half went on and were ahead on 26 minutes after Roache's good work setting up Hatch. We were dominant in the second half, and both Roache and Hatch were unfortunate not to double our lead. We held on for the three points in no small part thanks to Flitney's outstanding goalkeeping display.

22 Apr 2006 L2 A Chester (2-0) 4-0 Hatch 2, Vernazza, Batt

Realistically, we have no hope of making a playoff place this season, but against bottom team Chester, have a great chance to ensure a top-half finish. It was an open game. Hatch put us ahead after 27 minutes and Vernazza made it two with a fine free kick ten minutes later. Chester raised their game for the second half and made Flitney work hard for a second clean sheet in a row. Substitute Roache unselfishly set up Hatch to make it three with ten minutes to go, a goal which puts him ahead of Rhodes as the club's top scorer this season. There was more to come as Batt scored in injury time.

29 Apr 2006 L2 H Darlington (0-1) 1-2 Sakali

The first half was fairly even, but Darlington took the lead in the 39th minute. We were level just after half-time as Djourou's through ball found Sakali. We went behind again though on 82 minutes as Darlington broke away following a Barnet corner. This final match of the season went a great way to underlining why Barnet needed some serious squad strengthening in the summer.

                 P   W   D   L   F   A   GD   PT
1  Notts Co       46  25  10  11  59  38  +21  85 
2  Wrexham        46  22  13  11  72  56  +16  79 
3  Darlington     46  21  13  12  59  42  +17  76 
4  Cheltenham     46  22   9  15  66  56  +10  75 
5  Stockport      46  21  10  15  75  56  +19  73 
6  Lincoln        46  21  10  15  69  57  +12  73 
7  Grimsby        46  20  12  14  73  71   +2  72 
8  Mansfield      46  21   9  16  56  55   +1  72 
9  Bristol Rovers 46  20  10  16  69  60   +9  70 
10 Northampton    46  19   9  18  64  53  +11  66 
11 Boston Utd     46  18  12  16  58  50   +8  66 
[highlight]12 Barnet         46  20   6  20  64  60   +4  66 [/highlight]
13 Leyton Orient  46  17  11  18  67  73   -6  62 
14 Macclesfield   46  15  14  17  73  78   -5  59 
15 Peterborough   46  17   8  21  50  55   -5  59 
16 Torquay        46  15  13  18  49  54   -5  58 
17 Shrewsbury     46  14  16  16  42  52  -10  58 
18 Rochdale       46  15  12  19  51  57   -6  57 
19 Oxford         46  14  13  19  49  53   -4  55 
20 Bury           46  14  11  21  68  74   -6  53 
21 Rushden        46  14  10  22  53  62   -9  52 
22 Wycombe        46  11  16  19  53  66  -13  49 
23 Carlisle       46  12  13  21  53  74  -21  49 
24 Chester        46   7  14  25  32  72  -40  35

Close Season

It has been a reasonable first season in charge for me, ending with the definitive mid-table finish - 12th place with an equal number of wins and defeats. If our summer signings can improve the squad we have a realistic chance at fighting for a playoff place next season.

Attempting to sell Hendon has not been easy, as no clubs have expressed interest in signing him, even for free. We need him to leave to free up the wage bill. Dwayne Lee complained of lack of first team action, so I told him he was leaving the club.

Name               Apps    Gls Ast MoM Pas Tck   Drb  ShT Av Rat 
Ross Flitney       33      -   -   1   60% -     -    -   6.64   
Michael Poke       20      -   -   -   65% -     -    -   6.85   
Damien Batt        32 (1)  2   2   1   60% 3.97  0.63 -   6.76   
Anthony Charles    9 (7)   -   -   -   65% 3.29  0.19 -   6.69   
Ismail Yakubu      50      -   2   4   66% 3.52  0.16 -   6.84   
Danny O'Donnell    51      -   1   1   69% 3.15  0.04 -   6.86   
Nicky Bailey       39 (1)  3   7   1   70% 1.91  1.22 20% 6.97   
Richard Graham     47      4   9   2   67% 1.79  2.39 40% 6.94   
Paolo Vernazza     44 (3)  3   -   1   70% 3.04  0.60 23% 6.91   
Johannes Djourou   16 (16) -   5   -   74% 2.69  0.48 18% 6.78   
Ben Strevens       32 (1)  9   7   3   67% 1.27  2.19 56% 7.03   
Liam Hatch         25 (12) 14  3   3   66% 1.11  2.25 53% 6.92   
Alex Rhodes        33 (2)  13  5   2   68% 0.44  2.82 52% 6.94   
Ryan Jones         -       -   -   -   -   -     -    -   -      
Abdeltareck Sakali 19 (11) 9   4   3   62% 1.51  1.96 46% 6.87   
Dean Sinclair      17 (12) 2   3   -   74% 1.87  1.01 38% 6.66   
Giuliano Grazioli  14 (21) 7   1   2   70% 0.23  1.71 64% 6.66   
Ben Bowditch       0 (1)   -   -   -   -   9.00  -    -   6.00   
Ian Hendon         21      -   -   2   55% 3.86  0.30 -   6.57   
Andy Hessenthaler  28 (12) -   4   -   61% 3.50  1.58 31% 6.63   
Luke Hickie        -       -   -   -   -   -     -    -   -      
Simon King         49      -   4   3   65% 3.51  0.53 -   6.90   
Louie Soares       0 (2)   -   -   -   -   4.29  2.14 -   7.00   
Adam Gross         0 (1)   -   -   -   -   11.25 -    -   7.00   
Dwane Lee          -       -   -   -   -   -     -    -   -      
Lee Roache         3 (9)   -   2   -   64% 0.40  1.39 50% 6.58

Our top scorer this season was Liam Hatch with 14 goals, with Richard Graham getting 9 assists. Ismail Yakubu was man of the match 4 times. Danny O'Donnell played 51 games for the club this season, and Ben Strevens had the best average rating of 7.03, possibly helped by his injury during a poor period for Barnet.

Grazioli may be on his way out of the club this summer, even though he is the club record scorer with 59 goals in 105 appearances. Strevens has played more games for the club than any other player, with 185 appearances, and 43 goals. Yakubu has played 157 times for the Bees, scoring 5 goals.

We made some offers to some promising youngsters released by Premiership clubs to play in their reserves next season. The big problem is getting the wage bill down. Hendon and Grazioli are not attracting any interest. Bowditch may be on his way out as Bury and Lincoln have offered him contracts.

21 May 2006

Grazioli left for Aldershot, having scored 59 goals in his 105 appearances for the Bees. Bowditch accepted the offer from Lincoln, having made just one Barnet appearance in his first season at the club.

End of Season Squad Appraisal - Jun 2006

Goalkeepers

Ross Flitney, 21 year old keeper is promising but can show lack of composure and get caught out of position. Still he is capable of some stunning saves, and worth holding on to as a backup for a while, to see how he develops.

Defence

Ian Hendon, 33 year old DRC, has produced some distinctly average displays at right-back this season. Has been transfer listed, as we cannot afford a backup player whose wages are amongst the highest at the club. The summer arrival of the two Smiths will make him redundant. Will be offered to clubs in the summer as he still has two years outstanding on his contract. He is also a coach, but we can make do without him.

Damien Batt, 20 year old right-back who can also play on the right wing. Has played reasonably well since being given the chance to replace Hendon, although can be prone to the occasional shocker of a pass. Is likely to become a backup for Dean Smith next season. His high salary means we may be willing to let him go.

Louie Soares, 20 year old right winger who can also play at right-back. Is not as proficient technically as Batt, but is mentally and physically stronger. Is on a much lower salary than Batt, so may be a more appropriate backup right-back for next season.

Ismail Yakubu, 20 year old central defender, is a very promising player, who puts in consistent performances. He does concede more penalties and pick up more cards than other players in the team, which may limit his career. Danny O’Donnell, a reliable 19 year old central defender who has been an ever-present in the Barnet side so far this season. If he progresses well, could be a first-teamer for a long time to come.

Simon King, another young (22) reliable defender, who has been used at left-back this season, although can play in the centre too. Will be first-choice again next season.

Anthony Charles, 24 year old defender who plays on the left or in the centre got less chances than he would like this season. He played reasonably well when given the chance. He’s strong and a good tackler, but is likely to fall further behind in the pecking order next season. He’s still worth holding on to as he’s one of just three players who can fill in at left-back.

Adam Gross, 19 year old attacking left-back who regularly plays for the Welsh under-21 side. King’s consistency has meant his chances of first-team action have been severely limited. Will probably be offered a new contract for next season, but may have to be released if his demands are too high.

Midfield

Ben Strevens, an important player for Barnet who can play in central midfield or up front, but his best position seems to be the right wing. He's 25 with a few years left on his contract, and can be relied on for a good number of goals and assists each season.

Nicky Bailey, perhaps surprisingly was a first team choice this season, and captained the side on many occasions. He's 21 and can play on the right side of midfield but is better as an attacking central midfielder. May find it hard to keep his first team place next season, with Sinclair and Igoe vying for the same position.

Andy Hessenthaler, is another central midfielder who can also play on the right. At age 40 he now serves as a backup player. His real strengths are in the mental department, and he captains the side when he plays. He will be released on a free transfer this summer if he doesn’t retire first.

Paulo Vernazza (25), is a reliable central midfielder, contracted to the club until 2009. He's a good all-rounder, and will probably be used as the more defensively minded midfielder for most of the coming season.

Dean Sinclair (20), is an attacking central midfielder, that assistant manager Steve Castle believes will go on to become a great player. In the few chances he has had this season, he has shown glimpses of real quality. He's contracted for a couple more years, and needs to stake his claim for a place more forcefully.

Ben Bowditch, 21 year old reserve central midfielder. Has done nothing to suggest he will break into the first team. Will leave on a free in the summer.

Dwayne Lee, 25 year old reserve defensive midfielder. Way down the pecking order. Will be released in the summer on a free.

Luke Hickie, 19 year old midfielder who can play on the right hand side or centrally. Again doesn't look likely to break into the first team. Is currently on a rolling contract, and may be released shortly.

Richard Graham, 26 year old left winger is one of the best performing players in the Barnet squad. Proved very hard to replace during his period of injury this season. One of our best free kick takers.

Attack

Guliano Grazioli (31) is the club's record league goalscorer, and the striker has performed reasonably well whenever called upon. He again is likely to be a substitute next season, with the arrival of Proudlock and Sturridge, and may even be sold if the wage bill is too high. Has scored some important goals from the bench this season.

Liam Hatch is a 23 year old striker who can also play on the right wing. His aerial ability and strength have proved very useful for Barnet, and he went through an excellent period of form early in the season before getting injured. He is unlikely to be a regular starter next season, but will certainly be useful to have on the bench.

Lee Roache, 21 year old reserve striker with good pace. Has been performing really well in the reserves, but couldn’t translate that into first team goals when he got his chance during an injury crisis. His salary is very low, so he might be given one more season, but it is looking likely that he will be on his way out before long.

Loanees

Alex Rhodes is a 23 year old Brentford reserve striker who can also play on the left wing. He has played well for Barnet this season, although not being prolific. Attempts to offer him a contract fell through because of high salary demands. He may yet become a Barnet player though, if Brentford decide to get rid of him.

Abdultarek Sakali is a 19 year old striker who can play on either wing. His left wing performances were dreadful, but when given a chance up front he produced some fantastic football. He claims that Barnet are one of his favourite clubs, but he is not interested in signing for us. May be worth trying to get on loan again next season.

Johannes Djourou is an 18 year old defensive midfielder from Arsenal, who has picked up the ability to play as a centre-back this season too. He produced some reliable performances when given an extended run in the first team, and has the ability to play some great through balls. He also lists Barnet as a favourite club, and could be used next season to boost the central midfield again.

Michael Poke is a 19 year old goalkeeper from Southampton who was signed as backup for Flitney but soon became our first choice keeper. The good news is that he will become a Barnet player next season.

Other brief loan signings included Michael Nardiello a striker who failed to impress in a brief loan spell, and goalkeepers Michael Jordan and Sam Ashton who never came off the bench.

I like this story, Mark Heath, I had thought I might not get on with the fact that you tend to write shorter match reports than some other writers on this board, but in fact I think it works for you. The whole thing moves along at a nice pace and, like I say, is pretty good as a result of it. Keep it up, I look forward to more.

One thing though, Chester's abject performance in your league is completely unrealistic. Oh, hang on, it probably isn't is it ?

thanks chesterfan, I mainly write stories of my games simply so that if I have a break for a few months, I can use it to remind me of who's who in my squad. This is the first one I have ventured to post online. My creative writing skills are not the best, so I haven't ventured to make up any back-stories.

June 2006

While waiting for the players to return from holiday and hoping that someone would come up with a bid for Hendon, there was the World Cup to enjoy. England got through the group stages despite a hiccup against the Ivory Coast. In the second round they beat Germany on penalties after a dramatic 4-4 draw, with Defoe scoring a hat-trick. They needed penalties to get past Iran in the quarter finals as well. The semi-final was better as England beat Sweden 2-0 with goals from Owen and Lampard. In the final, England faced Holland who had beaten Brazil to get there. England lifted the world cup with Lampard and Bent scoring the goals in a 2-0 victory.

Barnet's training facilities were upgraded over the summer, and a £35K transfer budget for next season was announced. Hessenthaler was the only applicant for the assistant manager's job. Ben Strevens was announced as the fans' player of the season. Two 15 year olds – a left back Tony Turner and goalkeeper Alex Price were promoted from the youth academy, both look promising, and are likely to be given contracts for at least a few years. The board are simply asking this year that Barnet stay clear of relegation. This should be possible with the extra signings we have made, and a few good loan signings should give us a realistic chance of making the playoffs.

1 July 2006

Dwane Lee was released on a free transfer, having played 37 games and scored 4 goals but making no appearances last season. Andy Hessenthaler was released on a free having played 35 games for Barnet. The new Barnet signings all arrived:

Adam Proudlock from Ipswich. 24 year old 6 foot striker. A solid all-rounder technically, mentally and physically.

Dean Smith a 19 year old right-back from Chelsea. Good pace and mentally strong. Technically he’s still got a bit to learn.

Dean Sturridge,experienced 32 year old striker from QPR. A good finisher, and hopefully has a couple of seasons left in him while we find some promising youngsters.

James Smith, 20 year old 6 foot defender from Liverpool who can play in the centre or on the right. Will need to improve on his crossing if he is to be used in the right-back position. Should give Yakubu and O’Donnell some strong competition.

Joe Tillen, promising 19 year old left winger from Chelsea. Not likely to start ahead of Graham, but hopefully in a season or two will be challenging him for a first team place.

Michael Poke, 19 year old keeper from Southampton, who impressed during a season on loan at Barnet, displacing Flitney as the number one keeper.

Sammy Igoe, 30 year old attacking midfielder who can play in the centre or on the right from Millwall. May well be a first choice in the middle instead of Bailey or Sinclair, but mainly signed for his ability to provide cover for Strevens on the right wing. The fans expressed delight at his signing.

Abdul Kadir, 19 year old defender from Arsenal will sign on a part-time contract and play in the reserves. The fans reacted very positively to his arrival, indicating they view him as a very promising player.

Disappointingly, assistant manager Steve Castle decided to leave at the end of his contract, and Andy Hessenthaler, who had previously applied for the assistant's job also now didn't want it.

3 Jul 2006

Kevin Moore signs as a coach.

12 July 2006

Brentford accepted a £2K bid for Alex Rhodes who played so well for us last season. He wanted a very high salary, so I doubt he will accept the offer of less than half his demands.

14 July 2006

Glyn Salmon signs as assistant manager. The wage budget this season is a much more generous £16K per week, which we are well inside. Losing Hendon would be advantageous as well.

16 July 2006 Friendly H Leeds (2-0) 2-3 Strevens, Proudlock

A first chance to see the new signings in action, and we got off to an impressive start, as Strevens put away a great chance created by Vernazza. We were 2-0 up after 20 minutes, with new striker Sturridge set up fellow new signing Proudlock to embarrass the newly promoted Premiership side further. In the second half, Poke made some brilliant saves to keep Barnet in front. Leeds eventually got the breakthrough after bringing on some more experienced substitutes on 65 minutes to pull it back to 2-1, and a minute later they were level. Poke continued producing stunning saves to keep us in the game, but the inevitable happened in the 87th minute as Leeds finally got their noses in front.

19 July 2006 Friendly H Swansea (0-1) 1-1 Strevens

We were behind after 18 minutes as Swansea scored with a close range header. We didn't have many chances in the game, but on 77 minutes Strevens grabbed an equaliser. Poke continued his fine goalkeeping form to keep us in the game, and Kadir produced a fine last ditch tackle to keep them out. Igoe played well when given a chance on the right wing and almost set up a winner for Bailey to head home.

Abdeltrarek Sakali returned on loan for another season at Barnet. He will get some training in playing on the wings so that his versatility can be properly realised. He indicated his desire to sign permanently for Barnet someday.

23 Jul 2006 Friendly H Sheffield United (0-0) 0-1

We got off to another good start in this game, creating many chances but went in all square at the break. We were unlucky to go behind to Sheff United's first real chance of the match on 60 minutes, but only had ourselves to blame for slipping to defeat as we didn't create enough second half opportunities to get back into the game.

28 Jul 2006 Friendly H Southend (0-0) 0-0

We started brightly and once again looked equal to a higher division opposition. Sturridge came off injured early on. Particularly encouraging were some great defensive tackles denying Southend in the few chances they had. Sakali was unfortunate not to grab a winner in the closing minutes. It was a game we could and should have won. Unfortunately, new signing Sturridge picked up a long-term injury, which will at least make team selection less of an issue.

31 Jul 2006 Friendly H Port Vale (2-0) 4-0 Igoe, Proudlock, Hatch, Sakali

We were still looking for our first pre-season win, and got off to the best possible start as Vernazza's cross found Igoe with only the keeper to beat. We were comfortably the better side and got a deserved second as Proudlock headed in James Smith's cross. Hatch made it three early in the second half with a great finish. Substitute Sakali made it four on 70 minutes as he put away the rebound from his own header against the post. We could easily have won by an even larger margin in a game we completely controlled.

2 Aug 2006

Liverpool midfielder David Mannix was signed on loan for the season to provide cover for Vernazza. New contracts were offered to King, Bailey and Graham as they all have just one year to run. Bailey wants a huge salary, so he may be difficult to hang on to.

Name               Position  Height Age Value     Wage Exp
Michael Poke       GK        6'1"   20   £16K FT  £775 2009
James Smith        D RC      6'0"   20   £14K FT  £325 2009
Simon King         D LC      5'10"  23   £18K FT  £500 2007
Danny O'Donnell    D C       6'2"   20   £22K FT  £325 2008
Ismail Yakubu      D C       6'1"   21   £22K RO  £575 2008
Ben Strevens       AM RC, FC 6'1"   26   £50K KP  £750 2008
Richard Graham     AM L      5'8"   26   £24K FT £1000 2007
Sammy Igoe         AM RC     5'6"   30   £12K FT  £850 2009
Paolo Vernazza     M C       6'0"   26   £26K KP  £700 2009
Liam Hatch         AM R, ST  6'4"   24   £24K RO  £450 2008
Adam Proudlock     ST        6'0"   25   £30K KP  £750 2008
Ross Flitney       GK        6'1"   22    £6K FT  £500 2008
Anthony Charles    D LC      6'0"   25    £5K RO  £450 2007
Adam Gross         D/WB L    5'7"   20    £8K RO  £500 2008
Damien Batt        D/WB/M R  5'11"  21   £14K FT  £775 2008
Nicky Bailey       AM RC     5'10"  22   £30K BA  £550 2007
Luke Hickie        M RC      5'9"   20    £3K HP  £240 2008
Joe Tillen         AM L      5'11"  19   £22K FT   £85 2010
Dean Sinclair      AM C      5'11"  21   £18K FT  £600 2008
Issa Abdul Kadir   D C       5'9"   19   £24K HP   £90 2008
Louie Soares       D/M R     5'11"  21      - RO  £325
Abdeltareck Sakali AM RL, ST 5'10"  20  £675K -     £0 2007
Tony Turner        D/WB/M L  5'8"   15      - YO   £40
Ian Hendon         D RC      6'1"   34    £2K NN  £900 2008
Ryan Jones         GK        5'9"   17    £2K HP   £60 2010
Dean Sturridge     ST        5'8"   33    £7K KP  £750 2008
Dean Smith         D R       5'10"  19   £12K FT  £300 2009
David Mannix       M C       5'9"   20  £825K -     £0 2007
Lee Roache         AM R, ST  5'7"   22      - HP  £170
Alex Price         GK        5'9"   15      - YO  £100 

5 Aug 2006 L2 A Torquay (0-0) 0-1

We were hoping to take some of the quality shown in our final friendly into this tricky first competitive game of the season. It wasn't the best of debuts for Proudlock as he was injured after only 18 minutes. Debutant James Smith also didn't have a great start to his Barnet career, conceding a penalty in the 26th minute, although Poke saved it in his first appearance as a Barnet employee. We were ineffective in the first half, and were soon a goal down in the second half. To round off a miserable day, Hatch left the field injured as well leaving us to finish the match with just 10 men.

8 Aug 2006 L2 H Bristol Rovers (1-0) 1-1 o.g.

With King, Graham and Bailey all signing new contracts, the core of this Barnet team is in place, but we will seriously need to improve on our performance in the first match. We were already facing something of a selection crisis with three strikers out injured. We started the game positively, and had plenty of goalscoring opportunities. The breakthrough came on 27 minutes as Strevens appeared to put away Sakali's cross, but it went down as an own goal. Disaster struck on 65 minutes as Bristol Rovers equalised against the run of play. The injury situation meant that we had little in the way of attacking options on the bench to change things round and had to settle for a disappointing point.

12 Aug 2006 L2 A Brentford (0-0) 1-0 Strevens

An away game at recently relegated Brentford was not the most promising of fixtures to turn things around after a poor start to the season. The first half was dull, but the second started with a bang as Strevens put us ahead after a great build-up. We were generally on top, but the fans had to endure a long second half before the points were finally secured.

19 Aug 2006 L2 H Mansfield (0-0) 0-0

Strevens missed a sitter after just 2 minutes in a game that saw young Joe Tillen given his debut. We piled on the pressure but just couldn't seem to finish off our chances, and were disappointed to go in at the break still level. In the second half, a combination of poor finishing from Barnet and stunning goalkeeping from Mansfield kept a dominant Barnet side from scoring.

23 Aug 2006 LC1 H West Brom (1-1) 1-2 Bailey

We had a chance to take our minds off our mediocre league form with a big cup tie against championship side WBA. Ironically, we found it much easier to get off the mark than against lowly Mansfield with Bailey blasting home a rebound as the WBA keeper spilled the ball. Sakali came agonisingly close to doubling the home advantage on 17 minutes. West Brom were soon level though after they headed home a free kick on the half hour mark. Dean Smith was sent off for a professional foul on his debut in the 69th minute. We then simply focussed on hanging on for a replay and WBA obliged with some poor misses. Then in the final seconds of injury time, we found ourselves selves cruelly behind and out of the League Cup.

26 Aug 2006 L2 A Rochdale (1-1) 2-1 Igoe, Strevens (pen)

Our miserable start to the season looked like continuing as Rochdale took the lead in the 38th minute, but Igoe got us straight back into the game with a perfectly placed free kick. In the second half, we missed some fine chances to take the lead and Vernazza was particularly unlucky not to end up on the score sheet. Our pressure was eventually rewarded in controversial style as Strevens put away a penalty in injury time.

28 Aug 2006 L2 H Grimsby (1-0) 2-0 Vernazza, Bailey

We got off to a dream start as Vernazza fired home through a crowded penalty area in the first minute. We should have been two up when Bailey inexplicably chose to pass back instead of put the ball into an empty net. The second half started even better for Barnet as Bailey scored a wonder goal on the volley from outside the area. We thought we were home and dry in the 61st minute but Streven's goal was disallowed. Poke had to be at his best as Grimsby broke clear of the Barnet defence on the counter-attack on several occasions.

2 Sep 2006 L2 A Lincoln (0-1) 0-1

Despite having the better of the first half chances, we found ourselves a goal down after 33 minutes. The second half was a non-event as far as Barnet were concerned and our recent run of good form came to an end.

9 Sep 2006 L2 H Exeter (1-1) 2-2 Proudlock, Strevens

We had a good chance to return to winning ways against struggling Exeter. We were soon in front as Adam Proudlock marked his return from injury with his first goal for Barnet. But the lead was short-lived as Exeter were level on 25 minutes. Our second half got of to a better start as Strevens put away Proudlock's excellent through ball. We just needed to keep pressing, but let Exeter back into the game on 70 minutes and ended up with another disappointing result.

12 Sep 2006

Charles missed training today. I let him off without an official warning this time. He's useful to have for squad cover, but I expect he will be leaving the club in the summer.

16 Sep 2006 L2 A Rushden (0-0) 1-1 Igoe

A dull first half saw few opportunities for either side. The second was little better, and it was Rushden who got the first goal on 58 minutes. Yet again, we looked incapable of doing anything to turn the match around, but out of nowhere substitute Igoe stole an equaliser with five minutes remaining. Afterwards Liam Hatch had the cheek to complain about being substituted.

23 Sep 2006 L2 H Peterborough (1-0) 2-1 Bailey, Sakali

Our woes looked to continue as Peterborough scored with their first attack of the game, but it was disallowed for offside. We were shortly in front thanks to a fine finish from Bailey. We continued to apply the pressure and Sakali was unfortunate not to score. He got his goal though at the start of the second half after Proudlock unselfishly played him in. But the two goal cushion barely lasted a minute as Peterborough came straight back to score. The closing minutes were nerve-wracking for Barnet fans as Peterborough pressed dangerously, but we clung on for the win. Again, not a vintage performance, and Proudlock's poor finishing was a concern, but at least it's another three points.

26 Sep 2006 L2 A Macclesfield (2-1) 2-2 Graham 2

Macclesfield started the stronger of the two teams and took the lead on 18 minutes, but we were quickly back in it as Proudlock's strong running allowed him to set Graham up for an easy finish. It was Graham's first goal of the season, and he increased his tally to two in the 39th minute with a stunning curling shot from outside the area. Despite our good performance in the first half, Macclesfield were level with just a minute gone in the second. There were chances for both sides to grab a winner, but in the end, a draw was probably a fair result.

30 Sep 2006 L2 H Wycombe (0-1) 0-1

It was a fairly dull first half, characterised by poor passing, and Wycombe went ahead with a 34th minute penalty. We did little in the second half to suggest we could turn things round. A miserable performance.

2 Oct 2006

Charles complained again to the media about his lack of first team opportunities. Brentford transfer listed Alex Rhodes, which gives us a great chance of getting one of our most consistent performers from last season. The only trouble is there will be some stiff competition for his signature, and his wage demands are likely to be high as well.

10 Oct 2006 L2 H Cheltenham (0-0) 1-1 O'Donnell

We need to turn things around quickly if we are not to have another season of mid-table anonymity, and this game against table topping Cheltenham was not exactly going to be easy. We had plenty of attacking possession in the first half, but our finishing was dreadful. Cheltenham took the lead the moment the second half started due to a cheaply given away ball by James Smith. We were back in contention in the 57th minute as O'Donnell rose well to head home a corner. We raised our game after the equaliser and had the chances to snatch a winner, but poor finishing let us down again.

14 Oct 2006 L2 A Leyton Orient (1-0) 3-1 Proudlock, Sakali, Strevens

The day started with the bad news that Alex Rhodes preferred non-league York over us. And it was important that we put on a good show against local rivals Leyton Orient. Proudlock, who had been on the verge of being dropped for this match rewarded his selection with an excellent individual goal after 6 minutes, holding off two defenders to place the ball past the keeper. We were comfortably on top throughout the first half. We were two ahead early in the second half, after Sakali headed home Proudlock's cross. Leyton Orient hit straight back to make it 2-1, but almost immediately Strevens headed home King's cross to restore the two goal cushion. We held on comfortably for our best performance of the season so far.

August – Mid October Summary

It's been a very disappointing start to the season for Barnet, with a league position of 10th not representing much improvement from last season. We are at least much less reliant on loan players, but on the whole the new signings have been disappointing. Danny O'Donnell continues to impress in defence, but Yakubu isn't having a great season, and James Smith doesn't seem to be cut out for playing right-back. He could be moved back into the centre and Batt given another run in the first team. King has been consistent but not impressive at left-back again.

In midfield, Bailey has been the outstanding performer so far this season, and is looking a worthy captain. Sinclair is pushing hard for a place and could well replace the reliable Vernazza. He is also being trained to play as a striker as he has the best finishing in the squad. Loan signing Mannix also ought to be given a chance in central midfield. Bailey could perhaps be played on the right, moving Strevens up front again, leaving space for Sinclair and Mannix in the middle. Graham is still playing well on the left, and Tillen seems to be a genuinely good backup for him. Igoe has yet to prove he deserves a first-team place, but is useful to have on the bench.

Strikers have been the real disappointment this season, and we badly miss Rhodes. Sakali hasn't recaptured his form from last season. Our top scorer last season Hatch has been very poor, failing to score so far. Proudlock has played reasonably well but has been guilty of some poor finishing. Sturridge has yet to play his first competitive match due to injury. For the moment, Strevens should probably play as a striker alongside Proudlock.

In goal, Poke has justified his signing, and kept Flitney on the bench. Flitney is good to have as a backup keeper, especially while we wait to see whether our two youth keepers will develop into decent players.

Financially, Barnet are looking stable, and we are within our wage budget. We need to buy yet another striker, possibly a young promising striker. A central midfielder and maybe another right-back are also potentially on the shopping list.

17 Oct 2006 LDVS1 H Southend (2-0) 3-0 Strevens 2, Mannix

This cup tie marked the first match trying out a new tactical system. It was still 4-4-2, but I gave the players new and more detailed instructions about how I want them to play, as we don't seem to be getting the best out of the squad. Southend are League 1 opponents, so this is not going to be the easiest of games. There was a bit of a first-team reshuffle as well. Strevens moved back up as a striker, Bailey moved to the right wing, making room for Sinclair to play as an attacking midfielder, and loan signing Mannix will be given a run in the team ahead of Vernazza, as he looks to have great capabilities as a playmaker. Batt is also given another shot at claiming a first-team place for himself.

The new-look Barnet started extremely promisingly, creating plenty of chances, and were rewarded with a goal from Strevens after Proudlock's good cross on 18 minutes. In a first half in which we were utterly dominant, we managed to go in at the break two ahead thanks to a beautifully placed free kick from Mannix. The only player really struggling was captain Nicky Bailey, who is clearly more at home in the centre of midfield. Southend came out stronger in the second half, but it was still Barnet making all the chances. It was comfortably our best match of the season, creating 20 goalscoring opportunities, while Southend managed one solitary shot that wasn't even on target. Our second-half pressure was rewarded with another goal for Strevens, this one a beautiful lob after Igoe played him through on the keeper.

21 Oct 2006 L2 H Shrewsbury (1-0) 1-0 Proudlock

After our heroic performance in the cup, could we produce more of the same in the league? It was Shrewsbury who were actually looking the more dangerous of the two sides, but Barnet were first to score as Proudlock did well to get on the end of Batt's free kick from deep. Shrewsbury thought they had equalised just before half-time but it was ruled out for offside. The second half was relatively uneventful, and we held on for a third consecutive win.

28 Oct 2006 L2 H Yeovil (0-0) 0-0

We were able to field an unchanged side for the third game in a row as we faced a Yeovil team who were also on a four game unbeaten run. Strevens was unlucky to hit the crossbar in the opening minute. We had the better of the few chances there were in the first half. The second half was fairly quiet, and had to settle for a goalless draw. Proudlock was not pleased about being substituted in the second half though.

1 Nov 2006 L2 A Walsall (0-1) 0-2

With Graham injured, young Joe Tillen is given a chance to impress. This is also the first away match with our new tactical setup that has yet to concede a goal. We come up against an in-form Walsall side today though. We were under pressure from the start and it was no surprise when Walsall took the lead on 27 minutes. The second half got off to a dreadful start as Walsall scored immediately. We did at least make a couple of second half opportunities, but all in all it was a sorry end to our recent good run of form.

4 Nov 2006 FA1 A Colchester (0-0) 0-1

Another tough away tie, this time against League 1 leaders Colchester in the FA Cup. We managed to keep Colchester fairly quiet in the first half, but didn't create any chances of our own. The second half was looking good until Colchester broke through in the 56th minute. We actually had a number of good chances to get the equaliser, but it wasn't to be.

11 Nov 2006 L2 A Oxford (2-0) 3-0 Proudlock, Strevens, Sinclair

A third away game in a row, and we have also gone three games without scoring. We welcome back Richard Graham into the side, but need to demonstrate that we can get results away as well as at home. This game against a struggling Oxford side gives us a chance to do that. We got off to a great start with Proudlock scoring a fine individual goal in the third minute. Minutes later it was two as Graham picked out Strevens with an accurate cross. We continued to dominate for the rest of the first half, but Oxford came out much stronger in the second. Our defence performed admirably, and in the 81st minute, Sinclair made it safe for Barnet with a fine long-range effort. At last Barnet have really impressed in an away game. Unfortunately keeper Poke and striker Proudlock picked up injuries in this game, but they should only be out for two weeks max.

18 Nov 2006 L2 H Rotherham (0-0) 3-1 Strevens 2, Sakali

Flitney and Hatch got rare starts due to injuries and both performed well in a closely contested first half. Batt played Strevens in twice with great crosses from deep, but he was unable to finish. He got his goal though at the start of the second half finishing from outside the area, just when it looked like his lack of pace would deny him a goalscoring opportunity. But poor marking meant that Rotherham were back level just five minutes later, and we were lucky not to go 2-1 down shortly afterwards. Thankfully, Strevens was in inspired form, and restored Barnet's lead with a perfectly placed free kick in the 65th minute – his 50th goal for Barnet. It was far from plain sailing though for Barnet, as Rotherham pressed dangerously. Our fans could breath more easily though in the 79th minute as substitute Sakali did well to head home Graham's cross from a narrow angle.

20 Nov 2006

I thought Strevens deserved some recognition for his recent good performances, and milestone of 50 goals, so I made a point of telling the media how please I am with him. Our bid for Patrick Agyemang was accepted, but his wage demands were out of our league. I very much doubt he'll accept our offer.

22 Nov 2006 LDVS2 A Hereford (2-0) 2-1 Sakali 2

An away tie against Conference side Hereford gives Barnet a great chance of progressing to the third round of the LDV vans trophy. We made a few changes to the starting line-up as we need a good number of fresh players to keep our run of league form going. Sakali made the most of a place in the starting lineup, scoring two good headers in quick succession, the first from a corner, and the second set up by Strevens. Hereford started dangerously in the second half, and we lost Graham to injury 10 minutes in. Hereford continued to press and got a deserved goal in the 75th minute to set up a tense finish. In the end, we were grateful for some poor finishing from the Conference side, including a glaring miss in the final seconds of injury time. We were somewhat fortunate to hold on for this win.

25 Nov 2006 L2 A Northampton (0-0) 0-0

We had the best chance of the first half, with Strevens heading against the bar. Northampton were the better side in the second half, and Poke marked his return to the first team with some quality goalkeeping.

5 Dec 2006 L2 H Aldershot (0-0) 0-1

Aldershot started very strongly and it was only thanks to some inspired goalkeeping from Poke that we went in level at the break. We were equally poor in the second half, and just when it looked like we would hold out for a point, we conceded in the 90th minute.

9 Dec 2006 L2 A Bury (0-1) 2-2 Strevens, Igoe

Manchester United striker Madds Timm was signed on loan for three months, and was given a place on the bench. We again found ourselves under pressure early on from a team well below us in the league. Bury deserved their opening goal in the 22nd minute. Things were no better in the second half, and Bury were two up on 57 minutes. We did however at least pull a goal back out of nothing as Strevens headed home a great cross from Proudlock. We then sprang to life, and a minute later Proudlock came close to put away an equally good through ball from Strevens. In the 70th minute, Bury went down to 10 men as Strevens was brought down when he was clean through on goal. We pressed dangerously for an equaliser and eventually it came as Igoe put away the rebound from Strevens' shot. Bury almost snatched a winner as they hit the post in injury time. Although we were pleased to have fought back for a point, overall this must go down as another disappointing performance.

16 Dec 2006 L2 H Torquay (0-0) 0-0

It was a poor first half, with neither side really creating proper scoring opportunities. The second half wasn't much better. Another point, but no signs of a turnaround for Barnet yet.

19 Dec 2006 LDVS3 A Yeovil (1-0) 2-0 Proudlock 2

We have the chance to put some lacklustre league performances behind us with this LDV Vans third round tie. We rested a number of first team players, and their replacements struggled as Yeovil pressed dangerously, calling Poke to produce some stunning saves. But it was Barnet who took the lead against the run of play as Hatch's cross found Proudlock to head home. In the second half, we looked a bit more positive and got a penalty in the 60th minute as Hatch was cynically brought down. The defender was sent off but Proudlock's penalty was saved. He made up for it soon enough with a second goal after getting on the end of a defensive clearance.

23 Dec 2006 L2 A Bristol Rovers (0-1) 1-2 Proudlock

Bristol Rovers are a strong team, and so we were glad of having rested many first choice players midweek. Both sides had chances in a relatively even first half, and we were somewhat unlucky to go in behind at the break as Keenan scored for Rovers just before half time. We got a deserved equaliser in the second half as Proudlock was well placed to head home O'Donnell's free kick. We brought on attacking subs as we sensed we could get a winner, but actually were immediately behind again in the 66th minute. We continued to press, but a superb performance from the Bristol Rover's keeper kept them out. It was a match Barnet were unlucky to lose in the end.

26 Dec 2006 L2 H Boston (2-1) 3-1 Strevens 2, Proudlock

We needed to put our previous bad league form behind us, and got off to a good start against struggling Boston as Strevens put Proudlock's pass into an empty net. And yet, we don't seem capable of making things easy for ourselves at the moment, and Boston were soon level. Fortunately, Proudlock's run of form continues and he was well positioned to slot home Bailey's cross just before half-time. We were gifted a third goal in the second half as a dreadful backpass allowed Strevens to put the ball into an empty net.

28-30 Dec 2006

Had chances to offer contracts to some strikers – Luton's Calvin Andrew and Sheff Wed's Steven MacLean. Both were offered well below what they asked for, and with other clubs interested, there is no realistic chance of getting either of them. We offered a number of contracts to players whose contracts are due to expire. Most wanted far more than we were willing to offer them. We turned down some interest from some higher league clubs for O'Donnell.

30 Dec 2006 L2 H Brentford (2-0) 2-1 o.g., Strevens

Brentford are top of the league, but we took the lead as a Brentford defender put Strevens' cross past his own keeper. We were comfortably the better side in the first half, and were two up on 38 minutes, as Strevens did well to finish after breaking clear of the defence. In the second half, Brentford pulled a goal back early on and started to put us under some real pressure, but we responded well by creating some good chances of our own.

Good updates, enjoying the read. Keep it up mate

thanks Mark

1 Jan 2007 L2 A Mansfield (0-0) 1-1 Timm

Barnet seem to find it much easier to beat good teams than poor sides like Mansfield, and this game was no exception, with hardly any decent chances for either side in the first half. We started better in the second half, but went behind on 65 minutes. Just when we were resigned to losing, we grabbed an equaliser when Mannix's quickly taken free kick found loan signing Timm unmarked in the box.

6 Jan 2007 L2 H Rochdale (0-0) 0-0

Another chance for Barnet to demonstrate that they can beat the teams that are struggling and this time we started positively, creating plenty of chances. Despite piling on the pressure it was still level at the break. Rochdale somehow hung on in the second half, so we had to settle for a single point.

13 Jan 2007 L2 A Grimsby (1-1) 3-1 Bailey, Graham, Igoe

A tough away tie against the team one place above us in the league. We took the lead on 10 minutes thanks to a calm finish from Bailey, but Grimsby were level just before half-time in what was a closely contested first half. Second half substitute Igoe made an immediate impact, setting up Graham for a 70th minute goal. It got even better 10 minutes later as Mannix played a wonderful ball for Igoe to get onto the end of for a goal of his own. We had to survive for the closing minutes with 10 men as Yakubu was sent off for a professional foul.

20 Jan 2007 L2 H Lincoln (2-0) 2-2 Sakali 2

We were ahead early on as Sakali put away Mannix's accurate free kick. He got a second on 24 minutes after a defensive error. Lincoln pulled one back in the 57th minute, and were then level in the 71th minute. It was a fair result, but we were disappointed with the way we let Lincoln back into the game.

23 Jan 2007 LDVS-SF H Colchester (0-0) 0-0 1-0 a.e.t. Hatch

A semi-final, and another chance to give some starts to those on the fringes of the first team. Colchester started strongly, but we responded well and created some of the best chances of the game. The second half was less eventful, and so it went into extra time. We looked like the team most likely to grab a winner, and it came in comical fashion as a Colchester defender played the ball to Hatch who simply had to put the ball into the empty net for his first goal of the season. We held on to book our place in the southern final.

26 Jan 2007

We've signed Nicholas Bendtner on loan from Arsenal to the end of the season. This is a real coup for us, as he is a very talented striker, and should help us push for a playoff place.

27 Jan 2007 L2 A Exeter (0-0) 0-1

The first half was relatively dull, and the second was little better. It looked to be heading for a goalless draw until Exeter scored with 10 minutes remaining.

30 Jan 2007

Have got our first signature for a youngster to join us next season. Striker Lewis Grabban from Crystal Palace came highly recommended by the Barnet scouts. Almost got Justin Hoyte from Arsenal, as he accepted a contract, but it was cancelled due to his long-term injury. It's the second great signing we've missed out on as Mark Yeate's signing fell through when we asked to delay the final decision by a week.

You're doing very well with this story, Mark. KUTGW mate.

thanks Spav

3 Feb 2007 L2 H Rushden (2-0) 3-0 Proudlock 2 (1 pen), Tillen

We took the lead after 10 minutes as Bendtner dispossessed the Rushden keeper to set up Proudlock for an easy finish. Proudlock had another ten minutes later with a penalty. Rushden were more adventurous in the second half, and Poke had to be in top form to keep them out, but we eventually made things safe with Tillen scoring his first ever goal for us to mark his first game after signing a full-time contract.

10 Feb 2007 L2 A Wycombe (0-0) 0-0

We struggled to create opportunities in this game and were once again reliant on Poke to keep us in the match.

12 Feb 2007

Signed another promising young left winger from Crystal Palace – James Dayton. He'll play in the reserves next season as cover for Graham and Tillen.

13 Feb 2007 L2 A Peterborough (1-1) 1-2 o.g.

We started quite well against strong opposition and were gifted an extraordinary own goal in the 10th minute. Peterborough got back onto level terms shortly before the break. In the second half, we conceded a penalty but Poke saved it. Peterborough continued their pressure in the second half, and eventually took the lead in the 80th minute.

17 Feb 2007 L2 H Macclesfield (1-0) 2-0 Yakubu, Proudlock

We went in front after quarter of an hour thanks to Yakubu's forceful header from a corner. We were two up at the start of the second half as Proudlock did well to get on the end of Strevens' cross. Our job was made easier midway through the second half as Macclesfield had a man sent off.

20 Feb 2007 L2 LDVS-Final First Leg A Coventry (1-0) 2-0 Bendtner, Sinclair

Again, we rested a number of their first team squad for this cup tie, as we must prioritise our push for a play-off place. Against all expectations, we took the lead early on, with loanee Bendtner getting his first goal. We continued to play well and on 23 minutes, Sakali thought he had doubled our lead only to see it disallowed. In the second half, we again were in outstanding form, and Sinclair in particular was unlucky to see two great efforts saved. Sturridge was brought on for the closing few minutes, and his first contribution was to set up Sinclair for a well earned second Barnet goal, and give us a great chance in the second leg.

24 Feb 2007 L2 H Walsall (0-1) 1-2 Strevens

Walsall and Brentford are sitting comfortably clear at the top of the division, so this was going to be a tough followup to the midweek cup heroics. Walsall were ahead after just 17 minutes, and we were not creating enough chances to turn things round. Worse was to come at the start of the second half as a deflected free kick put Walsall two up. There was a glimmer of hope in the 73rd minute as an opportunistic strike from Strevens brought us back into the game, but it simply wasn't enough.

3 Mar 2007 L2 A Cheltenham (1-0) 3-1 Mannix, Bendtner, Sinclair

It was a dream start for Barnet as Mannix put us ahead after just 2 minutes. We were in complete control of the first half and King, Tillen and Bendtner combined well on the left. Bendtner put us two up early in the second half, and things were looking comfortable until Cheltenham pulled one back in the 73rd minute to set up a tense finish. Substitute Sinclair made it safe with a great finish as Batt's through ball found him unmarked in the area.

10 Mar 2007 L2 H Leyton Orient (0-0) 1-1 Strevens

We've got a good record against our local rivals, but the first half was thoroughly uneventful. We then went behind in the second half after Batt's mistake put us under pressure. Thankfully Sturridge continued his recent habit of coming on as a substitute and setting up a goal, this time Strevens being the beneficiary. A draw was a fair result, although not a pleasing one for Barnet.

13 Mar 2007 LDVS-Final 2nd Leg H Coventry (1-0) 1-3 (Barnet lose on away goals) Hatch

We have a great chance of a win in the southern final with a two goal advantage from the first leg. The day started with two good pieces of news. First, Jason Norville has scored enough goals for Barnet to pick up on the remaining £8K of his transfer fee. Second, Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte has agreed to sign for us next season, and should become first choice right-back. Batt has done well in that position, and has kept Dean Smith out the side, but has not been inspirational. James Smith doesn't perform well on the right either. Again we rested 7 first teamers for this cup run. It seems risky, but the reserves haven't let us down so far. Gross, Sinclair and Tillen in particular have done well when given the chance.

Coventry signalled their intentions early on with an attacking start, and on 18 minutes Hatch couldn't believe his luck as in almost a replay of the semi-final against Colchester he was handed an easy chance by a dreadful defensive backpass. We were three up on aggregate and looking safe. We started to play with confidence and there were opportunities to go even further ahead. Coventry started the second half with a goal almost immediately and looked up for a fightback. Then the utterly unexpected occurred. Poke was sent off in the 54th minute and Coventry scored from the resulting penalty. We hung on for another 20 minutes but in the 77th minute the Coventry fightback was complete and we were behind on away goals. An absolutely gutting way for a great cup run to end. Barnet had been the better side in both legs. Still, there is reason to be proud, especially since we haven't fielded full strength sides in this competition.

17 Mar 2007 L2 A Shrewsbury (0-1) 0-1

Back down to earth with a bump after the high drama of midweek. We must travel to Shrewsbury and get a good result to help us hang on to a playoff place. We got off to a dreadful start, conceding after just 7 minutes. After failing to show any signs of a comeback in the first half, we changed things around with a much more attacking formation in the second and did at least hit the bar. By the end we felt we had done enough to earn a draw but Shrewsbury held on for the three points. Perhaps if Poke hadn't been suspended, we might have scraped a point here.

24 Mar 2007 L2 A Yeovil (1-0) 1-1 Strevens

We experiment with our tactics again today in a bid to get better results away from home against lesser opposition. It started off well enough, with Strevens putting us ahead after just quarter of an hour. We restricted Yeovil to just a few chances, and Tillen looked lively, as he was given a chance ahead of Graham. We really needed a second goal to make it safe, and the equaliser we dreaded eventually came in the 75th minute, in Yeovil's only decent chance of the match. Another poor result here. I told Mannix to take a two week break as he is getting jaded. He's been our best player by a long way, but we can't afford to have him underperforming.

31 Mar 2007 L2 H Northampton (1-0) 2-0 Proudlock, o.g.

We really need to put together a run of form if we are to work our way back into contention for a playoff place. It is of course true that our squad would really struggle in League 1 next season, but it would be nice to at least have a chance at trying. We got off to a good start, with Proudlock putting the rebound away from Sinclair's excellent shot on 4 minutes. We were dominant, but didn't manage to get that all-important second goal. The second half was understandably nervous for the home fans, as Northampton had the occasional dangerous opportunity. Proudlock missed a host of chances, and it was only when a Northampton defender put Bendtner's cross past his own keeper in the 85th minute that the points looked to be safe.

2 Apr 2007

Proudlock complained about his low salary this week. He is in fact one of our better-paid players. I told him he would get a new offer at the end of the season. He is probably our best striker at the moment, so I need to keep him happy. However, I don't intend to break the bank to keep him. He skipped training the next day as well, so it doesn't bode well. Lee Roache continues to amaze in the reserves. He's got 28 goals now. Shame he can't score for the first team.

7 Apr 2007 L2 H Oxford (2-0) 2-2 Proudlock 2 (1 pen)

We must make the most of home games against lower placed opposition if we are to get the playoff place we are hoping for. Both teams started well, and Proudlock responded well to the contract controversy this week by scoring in the 16th minute. He got a second just before half time, after Joe Tillen won a penalty at the end of an excellent run. In the second half, we were thankful for a wonder-save from Poke to keep our two goal cushion intact. But Barnet fans could not sit easily for the whole second half. On 75 minutes, Oxford pulled a goal back with a free kick to set up yet another nervous finish for Barnet. Poke did brilliantly to keep us ahead, but in the 90th minute, Oxford scrambled an equaliser.

9 Apr 2007 L2 A Rotherham (0-0) 2-0 O'Donnell 2

We are currently 9th but just three points behind fourth placed Rotherham. Strevens, who was sorely missed in the last game is still out, but Mannix is back fully rested from his holiday, and should hopefully create us a few goalscoring chances. Poke was in outstanding form again and we could have had scored if it weren't for Sakali's poor finishing. In the second half Rotherham looked dangerous again, but it was Barnet who took the lead thanks to O'Donnell getting forward and beating the goalkeeper to head home Sakali's cross. Unbelievably, the centre-back was on hand again 10 minutes later to put us two ahead. Rotherham didn't give up, and Poke produced some stunning goalkeeping to keep them out. Proudlock had a penalty saved with 5 minutes left on the clock, but it didn't matter, as we held out for a great result which lifted us right up into 6th place.

14 Apr 2007 L2 A Aldershot (1-1) 3-4 Bailey, o.g., Proudlock

Aldershot themselves have a fighting chance of making the playoffs this season, so this needed to be another solid away performance from Barnet. Aldershot had the best of the early chances, but it was us who took the lead thanks to a quality turn and finish from Bailey. Just when it looked like we were in control, Aldershot grabbed an equaliser to take them in level at the break. We then conceded early in the second half, but continued to press and were rewarded as Aldershot scored an own goal following a corner. We then forged forward again and Proudlock headed us back in front from Bailey's cross. Aldershot thought they had a penalty in the 80th minute but fortunately the ref adjudged the foul to be just outside the box and not worthy of a red card. They will have felt that justice was done though as they equalised with their next attack. There was almost a fairy-tale ending for Barnet, but Sakali's 86th minute goal was ruled out for a marginal offside decision. Worse was to follow as Aldershot grabbed a 90th minute winner, and we drop back out of the playoff places.

21 Apr 2007 L2 H Bury (1-0) 4-1 Sinclair 2, Proudlock (pen), Bailey

We have a great chance to bounce back from last week's disappointment as we play the bottom team in League 2. Our next game is also against a poor team. Two wins should see us claim a playoff place. It was not hard to see why Bury are in the position they are. We were a goal up with just one minute gone, Sinclair slotting home Bailey's through ball. Bury did make a game of it and it was still just the one goal at the break. Barnet were soon two ahead in the second half thanks to a Proudlock penalty. Minutes later Bury were back in the game with a penalty of their own. Barnet fans were getting a bit nervous, but thankfully we were soon two ahead again as Sinclair fired home a lovely volley. Bury still put up a fight as they would be relegated with a defeat, but their fate was sealed in the 83rd minute as Bailey got on the scoresheet. We move up to sixth and it all now rests on the final game of the season.

28 Apr 2007 L2 A Boston (0-0) 0-0

Boston are just out of the relegation zone on points, so we can't expect an easy game today. We will get a playoff place if we win, and probably if we draw. Boston started well, and there were relatively few chances for Barnet in the first half. Poke was called upon at the start of the second half to produce a fantastic save, as Boston dropped into the relegation zone due to Mansfield taking the lead. It was a nervous final few minutes as Barnet knew a defeat would cost them a playoff place, and Boston needed a winner to stay in the league. Thankfully, this time Barnet were able to hold on and earned sixth place.

1 Brentford       46  32   3  11  82  43  +39  99
2 Walsall         46  27   9  10  70  42  +28  90
3 Bristol Rovers  46  24   8  14  78  68  +10  80
4 Macclesfield    46  20  10  16  78  60  +18  70
5 Northampton     46  21   7  18  71  55  +16  70
[highlight]6 Barnet          46  17  18  11  63  43  +20  69[/highlight]
7 Grimsby         46  21   6  19  84  76   +8  69
8 Rotherham       46  19  12  15  72  64   +8  69
9 Aldershot       46  19  12  15  60  56   +4  69
10 Peterborough   46  18  14  14  80  67  +13  68
11 Exeter         46  19  11  16  68  57  +11  68
12 Lincoln        46  17  12  17  54  56   -2  63
13 Leyton Orient  46  17  12  17  58  75  -17  63
14 Oxford         46  15  16  15  62  54   +8  61
15 Shrewsbury     46  16  12  18  52  56   -4  60
16 Torquay        46  15  15  16  53  58   -5  60
17 Cheltenham     46  15  13  18  52  66  -14  58
18 Yeovil         46  13  16  17  59  65   -6  55
19 Wycombe        46  13  15  18  48  61  -13  54
20 Rochdale       46  13  12  21  42  58  -16  51
21 Rushden        46  11  12  23  51  72  -21  45
22 Mansfield      46  11  12  23  56  87  -31  45
23 Boston Utd     46  10  13  23  36  59  -23  43
24 Bury           46   9  10  27  56  87  -31  37                                              

12 May 2007 L2 Playoff S/F 1st Leg H Northampton (1-0) 2-0 Stevens, Sinclair

If our previous two games against Northampton are anything to go on, we should do OK as they haven't scored against us this season. However, their striker Andy Kirk has scored an astonishing 37 goals in 47 appearances. Tillen recovered from an injury just in time which meant we were able to field a first-choice side.

We couldn't have asked for a better start, with Strevens scoring a great free kick in the third minute. The rest of the first half was fairly even, with neither side having many good chances. The second half again was evenly contested, but we got a second when Bailey's good work on the wing set up Sinclair to score in the 82nd minute. We kept Northampton out for the third time this season, to give ourselves a great chance in the second leg.

15 May 2007 L2 Playoff S/F 2nd Leg A Northampton (0-0) 0-1 Agg: 2-1

Despite being in with a great chance of promotion, there is malcontent in the camp at Barnet. Vernazza and Sturridge are not pleased at being left out the team. I suspect Graham will follow suit soon. Proudlock is still unhappy about his wages. Sturridge requested a transfer, which I gladly obliged, and Port Vale immediately came in with a bid for him.

We had to make do without Strevens for this match. We gambled on not giving him an injection to get him through the game in the hope that he will be back for the play-off final if we make it. Northampton started the game brightly, but we were playing well and got to the break without conceding. In the second half, Northampton continued to press forwards and in the 90th minute earned a penalty conceded by substitute Yakubu, which they duly converted. Surely this wasn't going to be a repeat of the Coventry game? Thankfully we managed to hold on for the remainder of injury time.

16 May 2007

Arsenal comfortably won the Premier league, but lost the Champions league final to Liverpool. Still its good to see the club I hope to manage in the future doing well. Ian Hendon and Dean Sturridge both announced their intention to retire at the end of the season.

27 May 2007 L2 Playoff Final N Grimsby (2-2) 2-3 Strevens, J Smith

We've got Grimsby in the playoff final, and they have the one striker who's more prolific than Andy Kirk: Michael Reddy who has scored an incredible 44 goals in 48 matches. However, we beat Grimsby twice this season, so we'll be annoyed if we don't give them a run for their money. We were ahead after just 12 minutes as Strevens put away the rebound from Proudlock's strike. We continued to put the pressure on, but then Grimsby scored with their first attack of the game on 24 minutes. Just before half-time, Barnet were ahead again, with James Smith choosing the perfect occasion to score his first goal for the club – a header from a corner, but the prolific Reddy was on hand to equalise for Grimsby on the stroke of half-time. Barnet had done everything right in the first half, and yet were not in front. The second half was again a strong Barnet performance, but in the 75th minute we were cruelly behind as Reddy capitalised on O'Donnell's defensive error. A gutting way for the season to end.

Tough luck there, Mark.

Better luck next season.

thanks Spav. On the bright side, another season in League 2 means we can strengthen the squad a bit further in the hopes of avoiding getting relegated straight back down

Name               | Apps    | Gls| Ast|MoM| Pas | Tck  | Drb  | ShT | Av Rat|
Michael Poke       | 54      | -  | -  | 5 | 66% | 0.02 | -    | -   | 6.93 |
Damien Batt        | 34      | -  | 2  | - | 60% | 3.29 | 0.61 | -   | 6.71 |
Simon King         | 51      | -  | 6  | 2 | 64% | 3.69 | 0.45 | -   | 6.96 |
Danny O'Donnell    | 55      | 3  | 3  | 5 | 67% | 4.11 | 0.18 | 58% | 7.16 |
James Smith        | 47 (2)  | 1  | -  | 1 | 61% | 4.01 | 0.29 | -   | 6.98 |
Nicky Bailey       | 53      | 6  | 10 | 4 | 68% | 2.13 | 1.35 | 42% | 6.98 |
Joe Tillen         | 23 (5)  | 1  | 3  | 1 | 64% | 2.39 | 4.40 | 26% | 7.14 |
Dean Sinclair      | 26 (22) | 6  | 1  | 1 | 71% | 2.42 | 0.60 | 51% | 6.92 |
David Mannix       | 39 (2)  | 2  | 5  | 2 | 74% | 3.35 | 0.36 | 56% | 7.20 |
Ben Strevens       | 50      | 18 | 6  | 6 | 59% | 0.92 | 2.33 | 59% | 6.92 |
Adam Proudlock     | 39 (4)  | 16 | 12 | - | 70% | 0.57 | 1.88 | 45% | 6.88 |
Ross Flitney       | 3 (1)   | -  | -  | 1 | 73% | -    | -    | -   | 7.50 |
Ismail Yakubu      | 26 (5)  | 1  | 1  | 1 | 65% | 3.59 | 0.04 | -   | 6.65 |
Nicklas Bendtner   | 9 (5)   | 2  | 1  | - | 69% | 0.46 | 2.77 | 66% | 6.71 |
Richard Graham     | 33 (5)  | 3  | 5  | 2 | 66% | 1.33 | 2.50 | 35% | 6.89 |
Abdeltareck Sakali | 26 (18) | 7  | 4  | 1 | 68% | 0.56 | 1.96 | 46% | 6.84 |
Paolo Vernazza     | 15 (4)  | 1  | -  | - | 68% | 2.17 | 0.41 | 53% | 6.74 |
Sammy Igoe         | 19 (19) | 4  | 4  | - | 60% | 1.50 | 2.40 | 36% | 6.55 |
Dean Sturridge     | 2 (8)   | -  | 3  | - | 72% | 0.27 | 1.64 | -   | 6.60 |
Liam Hatch         | 7 (18)  | 2  | 2  | - | 65% | 0.98 | 2.59 | 58% | 6.76 |
Madds Timm         | 1 (5)   | 1  | -  | - | 69% | 0.53 | -    | 28% | 6.83 |
Adam Gross         | 5       | -  | -  | - | 67% | 2.81 | 0.37 | -   | 7.20 |
Dean Smith         | 9 (1)   | -  | -  | - | 55% | 5.02 | 0.80 | -   | 6.40 |
Lee Roache         | 0 (3)   | -  | -  | - | -   | -    | 7.38 | -   | 6.33 |
Issa Abdul Kadir   | 0 (3)   | -  | -  | - | -   | 2.50 | -    | -   | 6.00 |
Anthony Charles    | 1 (1)   | -  | -  | - | 58% | 1.61 | -    | -   | 6.50 |
Luke Hickie        | 0 (1)   | -  | -  | - | -   | 10.59| -    | -   | 7.00 |
Ryan Jones         | -       | -  | -  | - | -   | -    | -    | -   | -    |
Louie Soares       | -       | -  | -  | - | -   | -    | -    | -   | -    |
Ian Hendon         | -       | -  | -  | - | -   | -    | -    | -   | -    | 

End of Season Squad Appraisal

First Eleven

Michael Poke - has been inspirational in goal, and probably our best buy of the summer. He kept 20 clean sheets in his 54 appearances. He's clearly number one keeper for next season too.

Damien Batt - I was hoping he wouldn't be needed this season, but neither Dean Smith nor James Smith were performing well at right-back. I fully expect Hoyte to dislodge him next season, but he has done a decent job for us.

Simon King – another reliable season from him, although Adam Gross is pushing for a place at left-back. He's now made 175 Barnet appearances, scoring 4 goals.

Danny O'Donnell – our best non-loan player this season. Has been playing on a low wage so far. We need to offer him a new contract in the close-season, so hopefully we can afford to keep him. He's made 106 appearances for Barnet, scoring 3 goals.

James Smith – didn't get off to the best of starts, but being switched to centre-back suited him much better. He's still got two years left on his contract.

Nicky Bailey – has been captain for most of the season, and I am wishing we had offered him a longer contract last time round. He might be difficult to keep if the last contract negotiations are anything to go by. He's been playing better on the right wing towards the end of the season, which opens the door for Strevens to play up front. He weighed in with 10 assists last season. He's made 129 Barnet appearances, scoring 14 times.

Joe Tillen – broke into the first team towards the end of the season, and has been in fine form. Don't really know what to do about Richard Graham, as he is a bit overpaid to be a backup player. His runs down the wing have been creating all sorts of goalscoring opportunities.

Dean Sinclair – has also earned a first team place, and is a midfielder good for getting goals. He'll need a new contract this summer. Again could be expensive. He's played 116 times for Barnet and scored 19 goals.

David Mannix – has been great on loan for us this season, and will be sorely missed next year. If we can get him again we will.

Ben Strevens – has been one of our most consistent performers again, and this year was top scorer with 18 goals. Its not a great tally for an out and out striker, but he has played on the wing too. He is in need of a new contract too, and is our most valuable player. He's a goal away from breaking the club league goals record, and could set a new league appearances record next season too.

Adam Proudlock – has been a successful signing, although he took a while to get going. 16 goals is okay, but not utterly brilliant. He's yet another first-teamer in need of a better contract next season.

Reserves

Ross Flitney – is second choice keeper and not overly happy about it, but he's a good person to have on the bench, while we wait for younger players to take over. Its not clear whether he'll stay after his contract ends next season though.

Ismail Yakubu – is an outstanding prospect, and a great backup to have in central defence, but can be a liability conceding penalties or getting sent off. His form wasn't too impressive this season, and he needs a new contract.

Richard Graham – a solid player, but won't be first choice next season. He's currently our most highly paid player, and has two years left on his contract. We'll be looking for someone younger to take his place as backup on the left wing.

Abdeltarek Sakali – has shown moments of genius both last season and this season, but has never tied down a starting place. We may take him yet again on loan next season, as he loves the club here.

Paolo Vernazza – a solid all-rounder, and a bit unlucky to lose his place to a loan player. He's got two years left on his contract, and we'll be looking to sign a better player in central midfield. Someone of the quality of Mannix or Djourou.

Ian Hendon – has been impossible to get rid of. He'll be retiring as a player, but still we'll have him on our books as a grossly overpaid coach. Unless he'll take a pay cut, he's on his way out the club next year.

Sammy Igoe – something of a disappointment, as it looked like he'd be a first team regular. Still he performs OK when called upon. He's got two years left on his contract, and will be a useful squad member.

Ryan Jones – not really ready to be first-team cover, but OK for a third-choice keeper.

Dean Sturridge – retiring at the end of this year. Signing him was a bit of a mistake. He failed to score in his 10 appearances.

Luke Hickie – looks very unlikely to ever break into the first team. Will probably be given a free at the end of next season.

Liam Hatch – the biggest disappointment of the season. Failed to produce anything like the form of last year. Useful to have as a backup player, but if he wants a high wage he can go at the end of next season.

Louie Soares – the assistant manager is convinced he has potential, but to be honest, he is not likely to ever get a chance. He's been on a rolling contract for a year now, and will be let go of if we go over-budget on the wages.

Adam Gross – a promising left-back who would have got more chances if Simon King had ever had a spell injured. Not sure what to do about offering a new contract to him. Will urgently need more left-back cover if he is to leave.

Dean Smith – seriously underperformed this season. Has two more years on his contract to demonstrate his worth.

Lee Roache – despite prolific form for the reserves, Roache has had few opportunities in the first team, and looks unlikely to ever make it. Another player who is on a rolling contract and may well be gone next season.

Issa Abdul Kadir– according to the coaches, this is a player with great potential. He has 3 international caps for Somalia. He has one year left on his contract, and he needs to develop fast if he is to earn a long-term deal.

Anthony Charles – has been moaning all year about not being in the first team. Would be useful to have around as a backup, but I suspect he's off soon.

Niklas Bendtner – was a disappointment for such a technically gifted player to be honest. Not sure if we'd want him next season.

Madds Timm – on loan striker didn't really have a chance to prove himself.

27 May 2007

Got round to offering some new contracts. Just offered to the first eleven, and their demands were almost all way above what I was prepared to pay. It could be a painful summer for Barnet. Bailey, O'Donnell and Strevens were first in with their rejections, and Proudlock and Sinclair soon followed suit.

30 May 2007

O'Donnell, Sinclair and Strevens were persuaded to sign new deals. Proudlock looks very unlikely to sign again, as he's asking for well over double the maximum we can afford to offer him.

20 June 2007

Ben Strevens was announced fans player of the year for the second year running. I again indicated to the board that I preferred money to be made available for wages in preference to transfers. Even so, we need to reduce the wage bill drastically, especially when the new signings come in. The board are expecting a safe mid-table position this season. Should be possible without too much trouble, but I want us to be pushing for an automatic place this time round. Proudlock failed to show up for training after the pre-season break, and I transfer listed him immediately. Graham was also transfer listed, as we can't afford his wages as simply a backup for Tillen. Sturridge and Hendon haven't actually retired this summer, but are planning to see out the final year of their contracts. How annoying.

25 June 2007

Richard Graham signs for QPR having played 124 times for Barnet and scoring 11 goals. This will relieve some pressure on the wage bill. Adam Proudlock agrees to go to Brighton for £150K. Its a great boost to the finances for a player who can fairly easily be replaced. He played 43 times and scored 16 goals.

New Signings

Steve Johnson, former Arsenal trainee will play in the youth team for a season. I felt we needed a young striker of our own, and Lee Roache's career is going nowhere. To be honest, I doubt he'll do anything much either – an impulse signing.

Justin Hoyte 22 year old right-back from Arsenal. Should hopefully step straight into the first team, even though Batt is a slightly mroe technically gifted player.

James Dayton 19 year old left winger to provide cover for Tillen. Will be a reserve this season. Announced to the fans that he would make a great impact, and the fans seem excited that he is in the squad.

Kieran St Aimee, 19 year old who can play on either wing or attacking midfield. Will play in the reserves.

Hannes Torstein Sigurdsson, 24 year old Icelandic striker from Stoke. Will hopefully be the Proudlock replacement.

Lewis Grabban, 19 year old striker joined from Peterborough. Still young but may challenge for a first-team place.

1 July 2007

The new signings have arrived, and we are not too far over our wage budget. Its a shame we can't offload Hendon and Sturridge, as they are overpaid. We could try selling Batt and Hatch, who are not likely to feature much in the future. We released Anthony Charles on a free after playing just 18 games for the club.

5-15 July 2007

Sadly, Johannes Djourou has no interest in coming here on loan for the season. However, Arsenal's Seb Larsson has agreed to come for the year. He can play midfield or left wing, and can hopefully fill Mannix's role from last season. Jemal Johnson, a striker from Blackburn, has also signed for the season. Mannix turned down another season on loan with us. Isiah Osbourne, a central midfielder also signed on loan, so between him and Larsson, we should be okay for central midfield. We've transfer listed Luke Hickie as I can't see him ever breaking into the side. Unfortunately, no interest was shown in him whatsoever. We signed another French coach – Gerard Precheur. We're still light on scouting ability, but our coaching staff is looking relatively strong now.

15 July 2007 FR A Halesowen (2-0) 2-0 Sigurdsson, Strevens

It didn't take long for the new signings to impress with Sigurdsson heading home Hoyte's cross with less than a minute played. Strevens had a penalty saved in the eighth minute, but he got on the scoresheet later in the first half as Larsson picked him out with a through ball. Halesowen restricted us to the bare minimum of chances in the second half.

18 July 2007 FR H Hibernian (0-0) 2-0 Johnson, Hatch

Hibernian were much tougher opponents than Halesowen, and broke up most of our attacks before we got close. However, Sigurdsson is using his height to great effect, and nearly set up Grabban for a goal. Hoyte didn't have too good a game and a mistake almost cost us a goal. We brought on ten substitutes early in the second half, and they carried on the good work. With two minutes to go, Jemal Johnson ran well with the ball to put away a through ball from Vernazza. He nearly added a second a minute later. And then, Hatch powered home a corner from Vernazza, two players who are on the verge of being transfer listed.

22 July 2007 FR H Preston (0-2) 0-2

Preston started very strongly and we contained them until in the 14th minute we conceded a penalty. We made some good goalscoring opportunities though and were unlucky to go further behind due to a shot which deflected off Hoyte. The second half was less eventful and Barnet fans can feel reasonably pleased with the performance, even though the result didn't go our way.

25 July 2007 FR H Tranmere (0-0) 3-1 Johnson, Strevens 2

Again Barnet worked hard to counter strong opposition. Rather concerning was Hoyte throwing the ball twice to opponents in dangerous situations, but he did make amends with a great last-ditch tackle later in the game. Poke was also on top form. We were ahead early in the second half as Johnson headed in Dayton's cross. Tranmere pulled level in the 70th minute, as both teams made wholesale chances, but Strevens marked his return from injury with a great free kick in the 83rd minute, to see Barnet ahead again. Strevens made it certain in the last minute as Grabban did well to set him up. An excellent Barnet performance, although Poke was injured and could miss the start of the season.

28 July 2007 FR A Ballymena United (0-0) 2-1 Hatch 2

Should be an easy away tie to round off the pre-season and get everyone up to match fitness. The game started at a frenetic pace, and Ballymena were certainly not pushovers. The breakthrough came as we brought on some more experienced substitutes and Bailey set up Hatch to score. Hatch scored his second minutes later, perhaps indicating that he does have something left to offer to the club up front after his miserable season. Ballymena pulled one back in bizarre fashion – yet another poor throw-in from Hoyte was hit straight into the net over an out of position Flitney. It was not an overly-impressive win, but good enough.

2007-2008 Squad

We look to have quite a strong squad this season. Negotiating contracts has been tricky as almost everyone thinks they ought to be classified as a key player, and get very unhappy if they are told anything less. We have at least got everyone important signed up for a few more seasons. We have very little cover of our own for the defensive midfielder position, with just Vernazza able to play there. Larsson and Osbourne are expected to play there this season. Our summer signings have shown promising signs in pre-season, particularly Sigurdsson and Dayton, and to a lesser extent Hoyte and Grabban.

[size=2][color=#000000]Ben Strevens               Key Player   £1300 2010 £300K AM RC, F C       27
Joe Tillen                 Key Player    £500 2010 £30K  AM L             20
Danny O'Donnell            Key Player    £850 2010 £26K  D C              21
Justin Hoyte               Key Player   £1100 2010 £50K  D R              22
Dean Sinclair              Key Player    £950 2010 £22K  AM/F C           22
Nicky Bailey               Key Player   £1100 2010 £40K  AM RC            23
Simon King                 Key Player    £750 2009 £20K  D LC             24
Hannes Torstein Sigurdsson Key Player   £1100 2010 £85K  ST               24
Isiah Osbourne             -               £0 2008 £600K M C              19
Jemal Johnson              -               £0 2008 £1.1M AM/F C           22
Sebastian Larsson          -               £0 2008 £1.1M D/WB L, DM, M LC 22
Michael Poke               First Team    £825 2009 £120K GK               21
Damien Batt                First Team    £800 2008 £12K  D/WB/M R         22
Ross Flitney               Backup        £525 2008 £6K   GK               23
Issa Abdul Kadir           First Team    £200 2011 £22K  D C              20
Ismail Yakubu              First Team    £650 2010 £16K  D C              22
Paolo Vernazza             First Team    £700 2009 £22K  M C              27
Lewis Grabban              First Team    £400 2010 £130K ST               19
Sammy Igoe                 First Team    £850 2009 £7K   AM RC            31
James Smith                First Team    £350 2009 £16K  D RC             21
Adam Gross                 Rotation      £525 2008 £6K   D/WB L           21
Liam Hatch                 Rotation      £475 2008 £24K  AM R, ST         25
Louie Soares               Rotation      £375      -     D/M R            22
Dean Sturridge             Backup        £750 2008 £2K   ST               34
Ryan Jones                 Hot Prospect   £60 2010 £3K   GK               18
Kieran St Aimee            Hot Prospect   £85 2009 £7K   AM RLC           19
James Dayton               Hot Prospect  £230 2010 £40K  AM L             19
Dean Smith                 Hot Prospect  £325 2009 £12K  D R              20
Lee Roache                 Hot Prospect  £180       -    ST               23
Luke Hickie                Youngster     £250 2008 £6K   M RC             21
Tony Turner                Youngster      £40      -     D/WB/AM L        16
Steve Johnson              Youngster      £60 2008 £2K   ST               17
Alex Price                 Youngster     £130      -     GK               16
Ian Hendon                 Not Needed    £900 2008 £2K   D RC             35[/color][/size]

4 Aug 2007 L2 H Bournemouth (2-2) 6-2 Grabban 3, Sigurdsson, Strevens (pen), Johnson

Will this be the season that we demonstrate the strength in depth needed to gain automatic promotion? We will need to be able to beat sides like recently relegated Bournemouth if we are to do so. We went into this match without first choice keeper Poke. It was a woeful start, with Bournemouth scoring from their first attack, with Flitney too easily rounded by their striker. But we were quickly back in it, with Grabban scoring an outstanding goal from a narrow angle on his debut. But Bournemouth were immediately in front again, scoring on the counter-attack. Not to be outdone, Sigurdsson got a debut goal on 33 minutes courtesy of a fine pass from Bailey. It was level at the break, mainly due to a poor performance from our defence – the attack were doing well.

In the second half, we immediately created some good chances thanks to Strevens, and were soon ahead as Sigurdsson set up Grabban for an easy second goal. It turned into the dream debut for Grabban as he finished off a fine hat-trick in the 53rd minute. Not to be outdone, Sigurdsson won a penalty on the 62nd minute as he was brought down at the end of a good run. Strevens converted the penalty with style. Substitute Johnson also marked his first Barnet appearance with a goal, putting away the rebound from Sigurdsson's cross. A sensational start to the season, marred only by some poor defending early on. It's our record win under my management, and Strevens is now the club's top league goalscorer with 60 goals, taking over from Grazioli.

The day ended on a sour note as Vernazza complained to the press about his lack of first team action. He put in a transfer request which I duly obliged. It will be a shame to lose him, as we rely on loan signings to fill his position, so he is the only cover if they get injured.

First Team

The Barnet first team is looking fairly well defined this season. In goal, Michael Poke; at right-back Justin Hoyte (assuming he puts in a good run of form); centre-backs Danny O’Donnell and James Smith; and left-back Simon King. Neither full-back is amazing going forward, but they are defensively strong. In midfield, Joe Tillen on the left wing, and Ben Strevens on the right. Strevens is third-choice striker, so he will sometimes move up front to cover injuries, and Bailey will move to the right. In central midfield Sebastian Larsson looks best for the defensive midfielder role, with Nicky Bailey playing the attacking role and acting as captain. Sigurdsson and Lewis Grabban have already impressed enough to be considered first choice up front. Outside the first eleven, Ismail Yakubu at central defence, Dean Sinclair attacking midfield, Jemal Johnson up front and Isiah Osbourne in central midfield are all of the quality to step right into the first team. James Dayton also looks impressive on the left wing.

7 Aug 2007 A Northampton (1-0) 1-0 Sigurdsson

We're top of the league with just one game played, and we fielded an unchanged side as we still await Poke's return in goal. Sigurdsson put us ahead after 20 minutes, heading home Tillen's cross. We were deservedly a goal up at the break. Northampton thought they had an equaliser in the 77th minute, but Barnet fans were glad to see the linesman's flag raised for offside. Still Northampton pressed dangerously, and we held on for a well deserved win, having restricted the home side to a solitary shot on target.

9 Aug 2007

Paolo Vernazza has agreed to move to Carlisle. Its a shame because he was one of our best free kick takers, and a useful squad member. It adds extra urgency to signing a defensive midfield playmaker this summer. We got £22K for him. In his two seasons at the club he played 66 times and scored four times. His departure also means that we are not too far over our wage budget any more. Joe Tillen is attracting some interest from Championship clubs. Hopefully the minimum release fee of 500K will scare them away for now.

11 Aug 2007 L2 H Exeter (0-1) 1-1 Bailey

Still top of the table, and still awaiting the return of Poke in goal. It was not an impressive first half from Barnet, and we went behind seconds before half time due to poor marking on an Exeter free kick. Barnet started the second half much more positively, and were rewarded when Bailey fired home after Tillen's good run cutting inside from the wing. Exeter were denied a winner thanks to some great reflex saves from Flitney. In the end, a draw was a fair result.

18 Aug 2007 L2 A Wycombe (1-1) 4-1 Strevens 2, Sigurdsson, Grabban

We welcomed back Poke in goal for this fixture. We started extremely brightly and came close to scoring on several occasions before Strevens finally broke the deadlock in the 25th minute as Larsson did well to pick him out in the box. Tillen is still in fantastic form, beating defenders at will. Wycombe were level with their first attack of the game on 33 minutes after James Smith's lack of control let in one of their strikers. What had looked to be an easy victory was now looking slightly less secure. Strevens restored our lead less than a minute after the second half started, with a well placed free kick. It was soon 3-1 as Sigurdsson used his height to good advantage to head home King's cross. Two minutes later Grabban was on hand to intercept a long backpass to the Wycombe keeper and passed into an empty net from 40 yards out. The win kept us top of the table, and the only concerning point was another poor performance from James Smith. I will give Yakubu some starts instead for a while.

There was bad news after the match – Strevens has picked up another long-term injury. We should get him back in the new year. He will be sorely missed. We'll try playing Bailey on the right, although its not his favoured position. We've also offered Joe Tillen a new contract without a minimum fee release clause, as Premiership clubs are starting to get interested in him. There has also been a huge amount of Premiership interest in Grabban, but thankfully he doesn't have a release clause in his contract. Tillen signed the new contract, so he's safe for the time-being.

22 Aug 2007 LC1 A MK Dons (1-0) 1-1 (lost 3-2 on penalties) Sinclair

We're away to Championship side MK Dons in what will be a tough game. As usual we made lots of changes for the cup to keep the first team fresh for the league, and give a chance to some youngsters. Sinclair came agonisingly close to scoring in the first minute of the game, but got his goal after 15 minutes putting away the rebound after Johnson's great run and shot. Johnson continued to cause the MK Dons trouble and the Barnet second team were comfortably outplaying their Championship opposition. After just 30 minutes MK Dons were down to 10 men after one of their players got a second yellow card. We had been expecting a drubbing, but at half time, we were believing that we could win this game.

In the second half, Poke was called upon to make an important save, but Barnet continued to attack, with Yakubu hitting the bar. The final 20 minutes of the game was constant pressure from MK Dons, and Poke again produced a brilliant save to keep them out. Johnson missed a glorious chance to seal the win for Barnet in the 87th minute, but then MK Dons came back and grabbed an equaliser on the counter-attack. It was a cruel blow after a game we deserved to have won. It almost got worse for Barnet as MK Dons thought they had take the lead straight after extra time kicked off, but it was disallowed for offside.

In extra time, the Barnet side looked too tired to create many chances, and Poke produced one of the most amazing double saves ever to keep the scores level. The game went to penalties, and we found ourselves with very few players skilled in the art of penalty kicks. Poke saved the first Dons penalty, then Osborne scored for us. MK Dons then pulled it back to 1-1 and Batt's poor penalty was saved. The Dons went 2-1 up, and Dayton leveled for us. The Dons then went 3-2 up and St Aimee pulled his penalty well wide. Poke was hero again as he saved the next Don's penalty, so it was down to Larsson to keep us in it. His penalty was saved, and it was a desperately unlucky defeat for Barnet.

25 Aug 2007 L2 A Lincoln (1-0) 4-0 Grabban, o.g., Johnson 2

It was a good job we rested so many first team players, as those who played midweek were exhausted. James Smith kept his first team place for another game after his outstanding performance in the last game. Barnet were ahead early on as Sigurdsson's deflected cross fell kindly for Grabban to score. We were just about the better side, but Lincoln's young striker Zebroski caused us all kinds of problems and had a goal disallowed. Sigurdsson and Grabban combined really well, each creating great opportunities for each other. Poke produced another one of his superb saves, and the Lincoln keeper was also in fine form. In the second half, we had the better of the opportunities and substitute Hatch made a good impact on the right wing. We went two up with 10 minutes to go as a Lincoln defender bizarrely headed the rebound from Johnson's shot past his own keeper. A minute later and Johnson was through on goal again, and this time scored without help from the Lincoln defence. Johnson's substitute appearance got even better three minutes later as he headed home a great cross from Grabban on the wing. He had the ball in the net a third time but it was a clear offside. Barnet are playing some wonderful football at the moment.

27 Aug 2007 L2 H Carlisle (0-0) 0-0

We've been trying to sign a right-sided midfielder on loan to cover for Strevens while he is injured, but without much success. Sakali doesn't want to come to Barnet this season. Carlisle are bottom of the table, and Vernazza will get a chance to play against his old team. Carlisle restricted us to only a few first half chances, but their keeper had to work hard to keep us out just after half time, but it was a frustrating second half as we didn't create enough chances to win. We stayed top of the table though.

[size=2][color=#000000][highlight]1 Barnet        6 4 2 0 16 4 +12 14[/highlight]
2 Northampton   6 4 1 1 12 6  +6 13
3 Rochdale      6 4 1 1  8 6  +2 13
4 Exeter        6 3 2 1  8 4  +4 11
5 Coventry      6 3 2 1  8 6  +2 11
6 Leyton Orient 6 3 1 2 11 5  +6 10[/color][/size]

29-31 Aug 2007

We've had lots of offers coming in for our players, which is a new experience. Tillen, Grabban, Hoyte, O'Donnell and King have all attracted interest. Simon King is the only one I will consider letting go, as although he's a solid player, he's not really the attacking fullback I'm looking for. We've accepted two £250K offers for him and he agreed to go to Championship side Sheff Utd. King played 181 times for Barnet and scored 4 goals. We signed central midfielder Andrew Ottley on loan from Derby. He's not a great player, but it means that Larsson is free to cover for left-back should Adam Gross fail to fill King's position. Grabban got player of the month, and Tillen was young player of the month. Larsson and O'Donnell were also runners up. I won my second manager of the month award.

1 Sept 2007 L2 A Mansfield (1-0) 2-0 Bailey, Sinclair

Two days after selling King I'm already regretting it. We had no need of £250K for someone we don't have adequate cover for; he was a solid first team regular and one of only two decent free kick takers (the injured Strevens being the other one). He wasn’t exactly on a huge wage either, so could have been kept on as a quality reserve when he was eventually replaced. This is possibly my biggest managerial blunder to date. To make matters worse, Gross and Larsson, the two players most likely to fill his position are both away on international duty for today's match. Sigurdsson is also on international duty for Iceland, and Johnson is injured so we are fielding a severely weakened side today, with right-back Batt covering on the left. Mansfield are languishing near the foot of the table, so despite our weakened side, we should be able to get a result.

The first half was relatively dull and we created only a handful of opportunities. Right at the start of the second half though, we were in front thanks to a great free kick from Bailey. Mansfield changed to an attacking formation, but Barnet defended well and made the points sure in the last minute as Sinclair raced clear to score.

Shopping List

Selling King means that it is a matter of urgency to find a first choice left-back (and probably a reserve as well). We also need a central midfielder of the sort of quality of our loan signings who have filled the role the past three seasons (Djourou, Mannix, Larsson). We also need to strengthen on the right-hand side of midfield. A young right-sided winger would be ideal. Grabban and Sigurdsson are a great strike partnership, but we don’t have enough cover for them. Another striker (perhaps we can get Johnson), would give us strength in depth. Finally, we could do with a young keeper for extra squad depth. It will be a bonus if we can find someone who can take free kicks and corners.

9 Sept 2007 L2 A Oxford (0-0) 0-0

Oxford haven't had the greatest of starts to the season, so we need to take advantage of the chance for another three points. Gross and Sigurdsson are back from international duty and Johnson is back from injury, so we can a strong side today. Poke had a rare moment of madness when his goal kick went straight to an Oxford striker but Gross recovered with a superb last-ditch tackle. It was a first half of very few chances. In the second half, Oxford started to apply some pressure but were mainly restricted to long shots. The draw saw us slip down to second in the table.

15 Sept 2007 L2 H Leyton Orient (1-1) 1-1 Grabban

We need to put up a good performance against our local rivals. Liam Hatch was given a chance to start on the right wing, and did well immediately setting up Grabban to score in the 4th minute. We were lucky to stay ahead as Leyton Orient squandered a great chance ten minutes later. Leyton Orient were eventually level just before half-time as a miss-hit cross sneaked into the far corner of the goal. Grabban was playing some outstanding football, and unlucky not to get a second goal in the second half, but again we had to settle for a point.

22 Sept 2007 L2 H Shrewsbury (1-1) 1-1 Sigurdsson

We need to get back to winning ways quickly. It was a slow start, but we took the lead as Sigurdsson put home the rebound from Hatch's header. Shrewsbury equalised with their first attack of the game just before half time. We had the better of the chances in the second half, but yet again drew a game we should have won. Strangely enough we've gone back to the top of the table.

25 Sept 2007 L2 A Rochdale (2-1) 3-2 Sinclair, Grabban, Hatch

Rochdale will be tough away opponents, currently 3rd in the table. We are still badly missing King and Strevens, and Bailey and Larsson are out for this game too. We pressed dangerously, and were eventually rewarded when Sinclair fired us ahead midway through the first half. We tried to hold onto the lead, but in an all-too-familiar story, Rochdale equalised with their first attack of the game. This time however, we did regain the lead, with Grabban looking slightly offside as he got on the end of a through-ball, but the goal stood anyway. We were 2-1 up at half-time, although that didn't reflect how much we had dominated the game. Rochdale were more positive in the second half. Disaster struck on 69 minutes as Osborne passed straight to a Rochdale striker and they equalised. It looked as if Barnet were consigned to a fourth consecutive draw in matches they dominated when out of nowhere in the dying seconds of injury time Hatch headed home a perfect cross from Gross.

29 Sept 2007 L2 H Coventry (1-1) 2-2 Sigurdsson, Johnson

Coventry are one of the stronger sides in the division, so we will need to be at our best to keep our unbeaten start to the season going. Their striker James Scowcroft looked dangerous from the start, and put them a goal up after just 10 minutes. We created little but were unlucky not to equalise when Sinclair hit the bar. But we did get a touch of good fortune just before half-time as Sigurdsson's shot was deflected into the net. Coventry still put pressure on, and Sinclair amazingly hit the bar again with a glorious long-range effort. Barnet looked more secure in the second half, but on 70 minutes, Gross conceded a penalty, which was duly converted. It seemed likely the unbeaten run would end, but we hit back immediately, with substitutes Igoe, Larsson and Johnson combining to pull us level. A draw was a fair result in the end, but it saw us drop back down to third in the table.

August and September Summary

It has been a wonderful start to the new season, only marred by my stupid sale of King weakening our defence, and Streven's injury leaving the midfield looking weak. We will need to fight hard to stay in the automatic promotion places throughout the season. If possible we will try to actually sign one or two players in January, rather than just offer contracts to get people in on frees.

6 Oct 2007 L2 A Cheltenham (0-0) 0-0

Cheltenham are having a poor season, so this is a game we should be looking for three points in. Sigurdsson is on international duty, and Larsson will cover for left back, after Gross has failed to impress in the position. We started well, and should have taken the lead when Johnson missed a great chance to pass the ball 35 yards into an empty net. We were the dominant team in the first half and were unlucky not to be ahead at half time. The second half was a drab affair, and we had to content ourselves with another point.

9 Oct 2007 L2 H Rushden (0-0) 2-0 Sigurdsson, Grabban

We didn't get forward enough in this game as Rushden's ultra-defensive formation cancelled out everything we tried. However, we eventually got a breakthrough in the second half, as James Smith's pass somehow found its way through a crowded penalty area to Sigurdsson who made no mistake. Rushden were reduced to 10 men shortly afterwards. This allowed us more freedom to attack, and on 74 minutes, Grabban made the points safe with a great finish into the top corner. This win lifts us back to the top of the table.

10 Oct 2007

Brought in Stuart Ainsley on loan. He's a super pacey left-back, and though we've only got him for three months, should keep us covered until the transfer window. Our attempts to sign Billy Jones at left-back failed due to his high wage demands.

13 Oct 2007 L2 H Cambridge (1-0) 1-0 Sigurdsson

Cambridge started well passing the ball well, and restricted us to very few chances in the first half, but we eventually got in front as Tillen won a good tackle and set up Sigurdsson to score. Cambridge continued to have the bulk of the possession, but never looked too threatening in front of goal. Cambridge were reduced to ten men right at the start of the second half. Despite our man advantage, we failed to find a second goal, causing some nervous moments in injury time, but we hung on to stay clear at the top of league 2. I made a point of praising Joe Tillen in the media interviews after the game, as he has been our outstanding player so far this season.

16 Oct 2007 LDVS1 H Oxford (0-0) 0-0 (lose 3-2 on penalties)

As usual we fielded mainly reserves and youngsters for this cup tie, as we need to keep the first eleven as fresh as possible. We started fairly well, and Oxford had a goal disallowed. Hatch and Johnson both came close to scoring. We were awarded a penalty in the first minute of the second half, but Ottley put it well wide. We were comfortably the better side in the second half, but poor finishing meant we couldn't avoid extra time. Loan signing Ainsley was stretchered off in extra time, which is a real blow. Oxford just played out time for penalties.

We didn't have any decent penalty takers on the pitch, so were not expecting too much. Poke saved Oxford's first, and the Osbourne fired us in front. Amazingly, Poke saved their second as well, but Batt's was saved too. Oxford drew level with their third penalty, and Dayton scored his, putting us 2-1 up. Poke saved his third penalty to give St Aimee the chance to win it, but he blasted wide, and with Larsson up next, it was looking like a repeat of the MK Dons league cup match. Oxford kept their nerve on the fifth penalty, and Larsson's penalty was saved. Now in sudden death, Oxford scored again, and it was Liam Hatch who had to score to keep us in it. His penalty was saved and for the second time this season, we crash out of a cup on penalties.

20 Oct 2007 L2 A Macclesfield (3-0) 4-0 Sigurdsson 2, Sinclair, Osbourne

A good chance to put the disappointment of midweek behind us, and we were ahead early as Sigurdsson used his pace well to race onto a wayward backpass and score. Minutes later Barnet capitalised on another defensive error as Sinclair dispossessed a defender to fire into an unguarded net. The Macclesfield defence were at fault again for the third goal as Osbourne dispossessed a defender on the half-way line and ran superbly with the ball to beat the keeper. Hoyte was stretchered off in the second half, as Macclesfield played more defensively and restricted us to the bare minimum of chances. However, with minutes remaining, the Macclesfield defensive comedy of errors continued as Sigurdsson capitalised on a poor clearance and an out of position goalkeeper. The unbeaten run continues, and we are now three points clear at the top of the table.

27 Oct 2007 L2 A Rotherham (2-0) 3-0 Sigurdsson, Grabban, Johnson

A much trickier away tie this time, and we were thankful that a Rotherham goal was disallowed after 12 minutes. A minute later though, Sigurdsson scored in his fourth successive league game, heading home Grabban's cross after good work from Sinclair. We applied good pressure, and came eventually got a deserved second as Grabban did well to control and put away Tillen's cross. Rotherham continued to look for a way back into the game, and Poke made a fine save midway through the second half. Just three minutes later, in a moment reminiscent of the previous match, Johnson was on hand to intercept a poor backpass and make the victory sure. We held on for a fourth league win in a row, and a fifth clean sheet in a row, stretching our unbeaten run to 17 games. Rather disappointingly, the media managed to upset Joe Tillen by asking me about his future. I indicated I wanted to keep him.

31 Oct 2007

Sigurdsson was runner up for player of the month, O'Donnell was young player of the month, with Tillen runner up. And I was named manager of the month, for the second time this season. Sigurdsson also scored the goal of the month.

Very good, Mark. There's just enough information on each game to make it work, but the fact that you do a month's worth per update gives the reader a good fill. KUTGW

thanks for the kind words Spav. nice to know that at least someone is interested!

3 Nov 2007 FA1 A Flackwell Heath (7-0) 7-0 Grabban 3, Sinclair, Osbourne, Johnson 2

Playing against unheard of opposition in the FA cup, we fielded a slightly weakened team, giving rests to some of our more senior players. The bookies felt that Flackwell Heath might as well not turn up for the match, and it looked that way as Grabban scored after just 18 seconds. Barnet were utterly dominant, and it was only ten minutes later that Sinclair made it two. Flackwell Heath did improve a bit, even forcing some good saves from Poke, but on 30 minutes, Osbourne was on hand to put away the rebound from Johnson's shot after 30 minutes. There was more to come, as Grabban's deflected shot equalled Barnet's best win under my management with just 35 minutes gone. He completed a first-half hat-trick with a lovely volley just before half-time, and there was still enough time for Johnson to get on the score-sheet twice before the interval! Seven goals ahead at half-time, and Grabban was rested for the second half due to picking up a slight knock. Flackwell Heath defended admirably in the second half, and took all the momentum out of our game. In some ways failing to score in the second half seemed extremely disappointing, but we can still enjoy our record win.

10 Nov 2007 L2 H Peterborough (0-0) 1-0 Grabban

Today will be a real test of character, because on top of injuries, we have three players out on international duty. It was an evenly contested first half, with Peter Till, a player we failed to get on loan this season, looking dangerous for Peterborough. We came close to scoring on a couple of occasions but it remained goalless at the break. Poke was hero for Barnet early in the second half, with another of his superb close-range saves. Peterborough had to play much of the second half with just ten men. We wasted a host of good chances, but just when it looked like we would have to settle for a point, Grabban headed home Tillen's injury time free kick from a narrow angle.

17 Nov 2007 L2 A Torquay (1-2) 1-2 Sigurdsson

We find ourselves short of centre-back cover for the first time since I joined the club. O'Donnell and Yakubu are injured so Kadir fills in, and Hendon is on the bench. Looks like we will need some more cover brought in this summer. Torquay are struggling this season, and it wasn't long before Sigurdsson had opened Barnet's account. He's scored in the last five games he's started for us. We pressed dangerously, but our makeshift defence meant there was always concern when Torquay attacked. They grabbed an equaliser on 26 minutes, bringing Poke's awesome run of eight clean sheets in a row to an end. Worse was to follow as Torquay went ahead before half-time. In the second half, it was hard to see where Barnet would find an equaliser and Torquay ended up holding on quite comfortably for a win. We're still top of the table, but only just, and we need to be careful not to let this turn into a long slide down the table as we have some tough fixtures coming up.

24 Nov 2007 L2 H Chesterfield (0-0) 0-1

Chesterfield are doing well in the league, so we will need to play well if we are to get back to winning ways. We came close to scoring early in the first half, and Tillen picking up an injury was a big blow. We pressed again in the second half, but midway though the second half we were unlucky to go behind to a penalty. Concerning times for Barnet. We lost a game we should have won easily.

October and November Summary

Two great months, spoiled by two unfortunate defeats. We need to get back to form quickly, and a growing injury list is not going to help. Igoe is now complaining that he wants first team football. Whatever happens, the January transfer window is crucial. We need to strengthen the squad for next season, and if possible, grab a few players for the second half of this one. We've fallen off the top spot in the league. I've offered new contracts to Hatch, Gross, Flitney and Batt. They're useful players to have in the squad, even if I plan to replace them long-term.

Mark, your writing is inspirational and I hope, with your permission, to use the same style you have done (month for every update) in my story

KUTGW

lolgasm, thanks and feel free to copy my format. I borrowed quite a few ideas from other stories here

1 Dec 2007 FA2 H Brentford (0-0) 0-0

It was a lacklustre first half, and the second wasn't much better. We were at least the better of the two sides, and had comfortably held our own against a team from the division above us to earn a replay.

4 Dec 2007 L2 A Swindon (0-0) 2-0 Sinclair 2 (1 pen)

We're second in the league at the moment, and Swindon are third, so this is not going to be an easy game to put right our losing streak. Despite dominating in the first half, we went in level. In the second half, Swindon were reduced to 10 men, and we took the lead through Sinclair on 55 minutes. We continued to control the game and in the 76th minute, Sinclair made up for wasting a large number of chances this game, by converting a penalty. A great result, which sees us reclaim top spot.

8 Dec 2007 L2 H Yeovil (0-0) 2-0 Johnson 2

We dominated the first half, but somehow didn't manage to get a goal in the first half. Yeovil didn't get a look in. We kept pressing in the second half, and yet our finishing was appalling. Eventually the breakthrough came as substitute Johnson put away the rebound from Grabban's shot. Yeovil were down to 10 men after a professional foul on Johnson in the 83rd minute. Johnson's eventful substitute appearance continued as he scored again as the Yeovil keeper failed to hold on to a cross. We're definitely not back at our best, but at least we got all three points.

12 Dec 2007 FA2R A Brentford (2-2) 3-2 Johnson 2, Hatch

We could really do without this match, as we have our toughest league game of the season coming up on Saturday against second placed Bournemouth. Reading had the cheek to offer to take promising young keeper Alex Price off our hands this week. Again we fielded a relatively weak side, giving rare starts to Batt, Gross, Kadir, Dayton, Ottley, Hatch and Johnson. Brentford looked the better team and were ahead on 12 minutes, although we had our fair share of chances. Johnson continued his sensational form from the previous game, as he scored after a great run in the 19th minute. He's scored 10 goals already this season – impressive since he is normally a substitute. But our defence were caught too easily out of position as Brentford went straight back in front. Johnson continued to look our most likely source of a goal and did well to beat a cluster of defenders to head home Batt's free kick just before half time.

In the second half, we had Poke to thank for keeping Brentford out after Gross carelessly lost the ball. Hatch came close to snatching a winner 10 minutes before the end, but made no mistake with the next chance that came his way, putting away the rebound from Sinclair's shot after good work from Ainsley on the left wing. We had a few more chances to make the win certain. Brentford went all-out attack, but we hung on and got a good cup win, which we probably deserved. I was also pleased that we avoided tiring out our players further with extra time.

15 Dec 2007 A L2 Bournemouth (0-1) 1-3 Johnson

The biggest game of the season so far. Bournemouth are promotion favourites and are keeping pace with us in the league. It wasn't the most encouraging of starts, with Poke forced to make two outstanding saves in the first two minutes. Bournemouth took the lead midway through the first half, and had a second disallowed minutes later. We had hardly made an impression in the first half, so we changed formation for the second and brought on the in-form Johnson. The change worked well for us and hero of the last two matches Johnson got an equaliser ten minutes into the second half. Bournemouth were straight back in front though, as their striker Lee was having a great game. Bournemouth looked far more likely than us to score, and Lee got his hat-trick on 72 minutes. We lost the game, and were clearly second-best.

22 Dec 2007 L2 H Northampton (0-0) 0-0

Strevens, Smith and Tillen are back from injury but are not quite fit enough to walk straight into the starting lineup. Johnson's great run of form has been rewarded with a starting place, at Sigurdsson's expense. Yakubu is also playing well enough that Smith might not be first choice even when he is fully fit. The first half was disappointingly dull, even if Barnet were perhaps the better side. We fought well again in the second half, but couldn't finish off our chances, and it ended goalless. With Bournemouth winning again, we're slipping off the pace now.

26 Dec 2007 L2 A Aldershot (0-0) 1-1 Grabban

We need a good performance today, to make sure we don't start to drop out the automatic promotion places. Johnson came on for the injured Sigurdsson, and uncharacteristically missed two fine chances to put us ahead before the break. Aldershot took the lead early in the second half, and it was not looking good for us until Grabban finished superbly from outside the area. We pressed for a winner and came close on several occasions. It was a fairly good performance, but it means we slip down the table into fourth.

29 Dec 2007 L2 A Exeter (1-0) 3-1 Bailey 2, Grabban

We finally welcome back Ben Strevens to the first team, in the hope that he can inspire us to turn around our distinctly average form of recent weeks. We didn't get off to the best of starts, but after 17 minutes, Bailey was on hand to put away the rebound from Johnson's shot. Poke was in top form to keep us ahead at the break. Johnson was provider for Bailey again in the second half, to put us two up after 49 minutes. Exeter were back in it five minutes later with a penalty. Poke had to produce some more saves to keep us ahead, and the Exeter keeper did well too. Grabban eventually made it safe for us, finishing well after a good pass from Hatch. Yakubu was sent off near the end of the game for a second bookable offence. We held on for a great result and from a great team performance.

31 Dec 2007

As is my usual end of year tradition now, I made approaches for several players whose contracts are due to expire in the summer. To be honest, it doesn't look likely that we'll get many of the players we're after, but if we are to get promoted this season, we do need to strengthen our squad for League 1 football.

1 Jan 2008 L2 H Wycombe (4-1) 5-1 Strevens 2 (2 pens), Johnson, Sinclair, Grabban

We were awarded a penalty after just 7 minutes and Strevens made no mistake putting it away. A minute later it was two, with Grabban unselfishly setting up Johnson after making a great run. We continued to cause huge problems for the Wycombe defence, but out of nowhere, Wycombe pulled one back in the 18th minute. We restored our two goal cushion ten minutes later as Sinclair was first to react to a rebound. A minute later it was four, as Grabban scored with a lovely shot from the edge of the area. Wycombe played more defensively in the second half, but in the 70th minute, Strevens scored his second penalty, and Wycombe were down to 10 men. James Dayton was man of the match. We need to offer him a new contract, as his current one has a £210K minimum fee release clause, which could get triggered soon if he keeps putting in good performances.

2 Jan 2008

Onome Sodje has signed. He's a striker from Charlton and will play in the reserves next year. We've been fending off offers for Strevens, Hoyte, Grabban and Dayton.

5 Jan 2008 FA3 A Luton (6-1) 6-1 o.g., Grabban 2, Johnson 2, Osbourne

We are fielding a reasonably strong team for this fixture, as a fourth round FA Cup tie would be very desirable. We took the lead almost immediately as Johnson's header hit a defender and went in. Minutes later it was two, with Grabban demonstrating why Premiership clubs are interested in signing him. In the 23rd minute, we were three up, with Johnson scoring on the counter attack. Luton kept attacking and got a goal back in the 27th minute. Luton seemed especially susceptible to counter-attacks, and we got a fourth goal in the 34th minute, with Grabban making a good run this time. Just before half-time we got a fifth, with Johnson finishing off after Grabban had done all the hard work. As if that wasn't good enough, Osbourne got a sixth from a free kick in first half injury time to cap off an astonishing first half. Predictably, the second half was less eventful, although Luton had a man sent off late on. This was a fantastic result against a team one division above us.

7 Jan 2008

We've drawn Chelsea in the FA Cup 3rd round. Can't get bigger than that! It’s our first televised match. It's at home though. Let's hope we can get a draw. We've also made a record signing. Al Bangura, a defensive midfielder from Coventry for £100K. He's 19, but already looks strong. It should reduce our reliance on loan signings in midfield in the future. Stuart Ainsley has returned to Ipswich from his loan deal. He played 14 games for us and looked impressive.

9 Jan 2008 L2 H Lincoln (1-0) 1-2 Grabban

The game got off to a slow start, but we took the lead as Grabban fired home Strevens' low cross midway through the first half. Lincoln were level though midway through the second half, and were ahead on 65 minutes after Poke needlessly saved a shot going wide and Lincoln put away the rebound. We got a penalty in the 87th minute, and Strevens wasn't on the pitch to take it. Tillen hit it straight at the keeper. It was a very disappointing defeat, against a relatively poor side.

12 Jan 2008 L2 A Carlisle (0-0) 2-0 Sigurdsson, Johnson

We need to get over the disappointment of the Lincoln game. Tillen and Sigurdsson missed great chances early on. We generally had the better of the first half, with Grabban getting into good positions regularly, but just couldn't find a goal. In the second half we got the breakthrough, with Sigurdsson heading home Grabban's cross. Barnet fans nervously waited through the whole second half, but could breathe more easily as Johnson headed home in injury time from Tillen's cross. The win lifts us to second in the league.

19 Jan 2008 L2 H Mansfield (2-0) 3-0 Grabban, Sigurdsson, Tillen

We sold Flitney today, as he wasn't happy to be backup keeper. Ironically, he's gone to Blackpool as backup keeper. He played 40 times for us. Our 17 year old backup keeper Alex Price is looking a good prospect, but already thinks he should be a key member in the team!

Mansfield are struggling at the foot of the table, so there can be no excuses today. Grabban opened the scoring for us with a fantastic solo effort. Then Sigurdsson made it two, heading home Larsson's cross. Mansfield actually looked capable of getting a goal but the Barnet defence held firm. The second half was scrappy, but eventually with 10 minutes remaining, Tillen was on hand to score a rare goal after Johnson's good run on the left wing. A great way to prepare for the big game next week. Bournemouth lost as well, which means we're back on top of the table.

21-25 Jan 2008

Luke Hickie left for Kettering on a free transfer. He made just one substitute appearance for us in the 3 seasons he's been here. Left-back Jonathan Grounds has joined us as well from Middlesbrough. He's a bit of a gamble, and not quite the quality I wanted to sign, but he's on a low wage, and should provide better cover than Gross. We've been batting away bids for O'Donnell this week. Our attempt to sign Mannix fell through as Liverpool want £500K for him. We'll try again in the summer as he gets closer to the end of his contract, although some other clubs are hovering.

27 Jan 2008 FA4 H Chelsea (0-1) 0-1

The big day arrives, and we've actually got almost a full squad to pick from, causing for the first time some good selection headaches. Chelsea have already had one shock cup exit this season as they went out the League Cup to League 1 side Walsall. Bailey wasn't fit enough, Bangura was cup tied, Yakubu injured, but otherwise we put out our strongest side. It’s hard at the moment to decide whether Dayton is better than Tillen on the left. It’s strange having two of our best players in the side both fighting for one spot. Chelsea put out a strong team, but not their first choice in every position. It was still level after 20 minutes thanks to Poke making a great two saves from Robben. We were still level just before half-time, but there was nothing that Poke could do about a fantastic long-range shot from Huth. In the second half, we restricted Chelsea to long-shots, but failed create enough chances for ourselves. We were well beaten, but by no means humiliated. We got record gate receipts of £110K, although obviously nothing like what we could have received from an away tie.

30 Jan 2008 L2 A Leyton Orient (0-0) 3-0 Sigurdsson, Grabban, Johnson

We follow our cup exit with an away game against our local rivals, and their manager Martin Ling looks to be stirring up trouble for us in the media again. Strevens and Tillen in particular want to prove him wrong after I said that we felt we could get a win against them. The strength of our squad is such at the moment that I am struggling to decide who to leave off the bench. We had the best of the first half chances, but the Orient keeper kept us out. We kept pressing in the second half, and got the breakthrough ten minutes in as Sigurdsson headed home Tillen's cross. Tillen ran himself into the ground in the second half, creating lots of good opportunities for us. Eventually we got a bizarre second goal as Grabban dispossessed the keeper and walked the ball into an empty net with 10 minutes remaining. Then in the last minute, Johnson scored yet another goal as a substitute to give us a great win and make Martin Ling eat his words, as we head back to the top of the table.

December and January Summary

There were ups and downs for us during both months, but overall the picture is very positive indeed. We've had some pretty amazing wins and put ourselves right back up at the top of the table. With everyone back from injury, there is real competition for places in midfield. Grabban won January's young player of the month, with Tillen as runner up. Rather annoyingly, striker Elvis Hammond who we tried to sign on a free, but were outbid on wages, was player of the month. Sadly, I was only runner up for manager of the month this time round. Grabban wants an improved contract, and he definitely deserves one. Trouble is, he wants a lot of money. We'll see if he accepts my offer or not, but it could be hard to hold onto him. He's already worth £600K.

               P   W  D  L   F   A  GD  Pts
[highlight]1 Barnet       31  18  9  4  60  21  +39  63[/highlight]
2 Bournemouth  31  19  6  6  53  42  +11  63
3 Coventry     31  19  5  7  60  34  +26  62
4 Swindon      31  18  6  7  48  32  +16  60
5 Chesterfield 31  16  6  9  51  36  +15  54
6 Northampton  31  15  7  9  45  36   +9  52 

2 Feb 2008 L2 H Oxford (1-1) 3-2 Grabban 3

With Yakubu and O'Donnell out, our lack of cover in central defence is really showing. We need to get another promising youngster in the summer. We were behind after only 5 minutes, as our defence were caught out by a goal kick. We were soon level though, as Grabban finished off a move started by a magical run on the left wing by Dayton. James Smith was having a shocker of a game as captain, so at half-time I gave the captain's armband to Strevens. Within minutes of the second half starting we were ahead as Grabban headed home Strevens' cross. Dayton turned villain in the second half as a dreadful backpass allowed Oxford to equalise. Thankfully Grabban was in top form, and completed his hat-trick to put us ahead with 5 minutes remaining. There were some nervous moments for Barnet in the closing minutes, but we hung on and got the win. Bournemouth and Swindon both lost as well, which helps our position at the top of the table.

Grabban turned down our latest contract offer, and isn't interested in signing a new one unless it's amazing. It's disappointing, but we've at least got him for a few seasons yet, and maybe he'll feel a bit happier if we go up a division.

9 Feb 2008 L2 A Shrewsbury (0-0) 0-0

Past games against Shrewsbury have produced very few goals, and Shrewsbury started with a very defensive formation. Bailey left the field injured after half an hour, and we created very few chances of note, while at the other end, Poke produced some good saves. Early in the second half, Shrewsbury were down to 10 men, but still we struggled to make headway. Shrewsbury deserved a draw for restricting us to so few chances. Coventry now move above us in the table, although their only two goalkeepers are both injured, so there is a chance they will be dropping some points in the coming weeks (we're playing them soon too).

12 Feb 2008 L2 H Rochdale (0-0) 0-0

Rochdale are down near the foot of the table, so we are hoping that they will prove easier to break down than Shrewsbury were. Grabban had a goal ruled out for offside, but for the second game running, we simply couldn't break down weaker opposition, and had to settle for another point. The only positive was that Coventry lost, so we crept back to the top of the table.

16 Feb 2008 L2 A Coventry (2-0) 3-1 Sigurdsson 2, Grabban

We have a golden opportunity to beat one of the best teams in the league today as they are without any decent goalkeeping cover – their first choice and backup keepers are both injured. If we can get shots on target, we should get some goals. Tillen returns from injury today as well, so that is good news for our attack. The stand-in keeper however turned out not to be a pushover, and made three good saves early on. Osbourne also missed a complete sitter. We needed to get a goal quickly as Coventry were starting to come back into the game, and it eventually came in the 23rd minute as Sigurdsson finished off after a good run from Grabban. A minute later Sigurdsson broke clear of the Coventry defence and finished beautifully to put us two ahead. Poke's great save just before half-time ensured we remained comfortably ahead at the break. The Coventry stand-in keeper was actually having a fine game, but the inevitable blunder came in the 63rd minute as his poor goal kick went straight to Grabban who made no mistake with a well-placed finish. Coventry came close to grabbing a consolation goal at the end, as veteran striker Sherringham's shot hit the post, but they did score in the 87th minute as their midfielder Thornton scored with an awesome long-range strike. Bournemouth and Swindon both won, so it remains tight at the top.

23 Feb 2008 L2 H Cheltenham (1-0) 2-0 Grabban, Johnson

This is another match against poor opposition, so we need to prove that we can break down teams that play with 11 men behind the ball against a team right in the midst of the relegation battle. We've also got a fully fit squad to choose from, so there can be no excuses. We got off to a flying start, as Grabban found space in a crowded penalty area to turn and shoot in the 8th minute. If anything, Cheltenham were the better team in the first half. In the second half, their narrow defensive formation totally cancelled out our attack. We survived a scare in the 78th minute as a Cheltenham free kick flashed narrowly over the bar, and in the last minute super-sub Johnson made it safe for us with another one of his trademark goals, breaking clear of the defence.

1 Mar 2008 L2 A Rushden (1-0) 1-0 Osbourne

Rushden are right down near the relegation zone and have something of an injury crisis at the moment, so again we have a great opportunity to get another three points. We took the lead on 22 minutes as Osbourne arrived on the edge of the box to put away a rebound. We were in control most of the first half, although Poke and Yakubu were required on a few occasions to deal with dangerous Rushden attacks. The second half was less eventful, but Poke was called upon to make a superb save to keep us ahead with 10 minutes remaining. We hung on for the win, although it was less than impressive. Bournemouth are still just behind us in second place, but Coventry and Swindon are falling off the pace now.

8 Mar 2008 L2 H Rotherham (0-1) 1-1 Tillen

We were behind early on as Rotherham scored a good goal. We had chances to equalise but were denied by the Rotherham keeper. Rotherham looked dangerous on the attack and we had to rely on a good save from Poke to get us to half-time just one goal behind. Again in the second half both sides had chances to score, and we had to rely on some desperate defending. Finally we got the breakthrough, as Grabban's shot was superbly saved, but in the ensuing goalmouth scramble, Tillen scored a rare goal to pull us level. We then dominated the remainder of the second half. Grabban was unfortunate not to score, and Johnson uncharacteristically missed a fine chance to get a last minute winner. We drop to second in the table again.

15 Mar 2008 L2 H Macclesfield (0-0) 2-0 Grabban, Sinclair

Another game against a relegation zone team, so again we need to take advantage of a good chance to get three points if we are to keep pace with Bournemouth. Ben Strevens just hasn't been the same since his return from injury, so he finds himself dropped to the bench for this game. Macclesfield started brightly and restricted us to a mere handful of first-half chances. We got a deserved goal early in the second half, as Grabban raced clear to score. We were then two up ten minutes later as Sinclair beat the keeper to the ball from a free kick. We're still second in the league, but the win has guaranteed us at least a play-off place.

16 Mar 2008

Igoe, Gross and Soares have been voicing their discontent at not being in the team recently. To be honest, they are all players we can easily cope without next season.

22 Mar 2008 L2 A Peterborough (3-1) 3-1 Grabban, Sinclair, Sigurdsson

We were ahead after 11 minutes as Grabban ran onto Hoyte's long pass and slotted home easily. Grabban really looks a class above most other League 2 players, and I have no doubt he will be able to score with ease in League 1 next season (assuming we get there!). We were comfortably in front for most of the first half, although were grateful for a glaring miss from Peterborough. We were two up on 25 minutes as Sinclair finished off again thanks to a good through ball from Hoyte. It was not long though before Peterborough were back in it with a very well worked goal. The game became increasingly open, and Barnet got a third goal in the 35th minute as Sigurdsson scored an excellent lob from long range into an empty net as the Peterborough keeper had inexplicably strayed out of position. The second half started just as brightly and we spurned a host of great chances to put the result beyond doubt. We were reliant on Poke to keep us safe towards the end of the match and he didn't let us down with some stops of the highest quality. In the end Peterborough were unlucky to go away empty-handed from this game, but we took advantage of Bournemouth drawing with Swindon to return to the top of the table.

24 Mar 2008 L2 A Cambridge (1-0) 1-0 Grabban

As it was just two days after our previous fixture, we rotated a few players. Cambridge are struggling this season, so we should be able to get a result against them. We started in identical fashion to the previous game, with Grabban breaking clear of the defence and finishing well in the 12th minute. After that, it was a quiet first half, apart from Johnson having a goal disallowed for a clear offside. Cambridge were playing with a stand-in goalkeeper, but we hardly tested him at all in the second half, except for one great save from Johnson. We held on for the three points, and James Smith put in a fine man of the match performance, as he was given a chance again to feature in the first team. We stay top of the league, and we are now virtually assured of an automatic promotion place.

29 March 2008 L2 H Torquay (1-0) 2-0 Sigurdsson, Johnson

We started the better of the two teams, but needed another magnificent save from Poke to keep us level. In the 26th minute, we took the lead as Sigurdsson used his height to head home with the keeper rooted to his line. With Swindon drawing at half time we are only 45 minutes away from securing League 1 football next season. We pressed well in the second half, but with only one goal in it, we weren't safe until Johnson finished off after Sinclair was dispossessed as he ran through on goal. We held on for the three points, and promotion was secured! Even better, Bournemouth drew, so we increase our chances of finishing top.

February and March Summary

We could hardly have asked for a better two months. Grabban has played outstandingly, and again Poke has been a hero in goal to ensure that our defence is comfortably the best in the league. Joe Tillen is also still in supreme form for us. We do have a slight problem on the right-hand side. Strevens isn't looking over-impressive any more, and I'm wondering whether he will cope with the step up to the next division. Bailey can play on the right, but I don't think he's quite the quality we need either. I picked up another manager of the month award last month as well.