After my previous entry, I spent a lot of time afterwards looking at various match reports as well as the match day programme and the pictures we took from the day. Particularly after much observing of the former, I have decided upon a new weekly feature entitled ‘Where are they now’ – looking at players from time gone by. Obviously this week’s entry will focus on the starting XI that played in the Carling Cup third round tie against Manchester United on Wednesday 26th October 2005.
Ross Flitney
Forever known as the man who was wrongly sent off in the aforementioned game, as well as holding the record for the quickest red card in League Cup history. Over his two seasons with the club, Flitney was limited to 50 appearances, losing his place to club legend Lee Harrison who returned in his second spell. After leaving the club, Flitney joined non-league outfit Grays Athletic, and has since played for Croydon Athletic and his current club Dover Athletic.
Ian Hendon
Hendon joined the club in 2003 after a spell on-loan from Sheffield Wednesday. He was made captain in his second season with the club and epitomised everything a skipper should be – playing a key role in the back four for four years. After retiring from playing at the end of the 2008/09 season, he decided to concentrate on management – following a role in the team’s management alongside Paul Fairclough. He became manager after Fairclough stepped down, and although was on a two-year contract, was sacked in April 2010 – joining Dover Athletic. He left that post after 18 days and is now assisting Andy Hessenthaler at Gillingham.
Ismail Yakubu
Yakubu was once the longest serving member of the squad – joining at the age of 11 and signing a professional contract at 16. He made his debut at 17 at the same time he was taking his A Levels and was integral part of the squad – falling just short of 300 appearances, despite being plagued by injuries. After being released in 2010, he joined AFC Wimbledon, coming off the bench and scoring a penalty in their play-off final against Luton Town. He now plays for Blue Square Premier outfit, Newport County.
Simon KingKingy, another long serving defender joined the club in 2003 and notched up over 150 appearances as well as winning Player of the Year in 2006/07. Unfortunately he left that season (although for a ripe sum of £200,000) and joined Gillingham where he’s currently playing – although an ankle injury kept him out for an entire season in 2009.
Adam Gross
Adam Gross joined the club in its first season in the Football League, coming from Charlton. He stayed for 2 seasons but was released in 2007 and joined Non-League outfit Grays Athletic. He has, since, stayed outside of the Football League turning out for Dartford and Thurrock, as well as Weymouth and Welling United on loan.
Ben Strevens
Strevs was a fans’ favourite who notched up under 200 appearances for the club in eight seasons. Before leaving in 2006 he was the longest serving player – as well as being the only to have been relegated to the Conference in 2000/01 and promoted back to the Football League in 2004/05. After leaving the club he joined Crawley, before playing for Dagenham and Redbridge and Brentford. He’s now at League 1 side Wycombe Wanderers.
Louie Soares
Despite starting in that infamous cup tie (when he was also substituted after 90 seconds to make way for substitute keeper, Scott Tynan), Louie only lasted a season at Underhill, before joining then-Conference side Aldershot Town. He now plays for fellow League 2 outfit Southend United.
Dean SinclairDeano was a popular face amongst the squad throughout his three years with the club, and many were sad to see him go in 2007, despite the £125,000 we managed to get for him as he headed off to Charlton. Despite never playing, he also played on loan in numerous spells with Cheltenham and Grimsby; as well re-joining us for 3 matches. In 2010 he joined Grimsby Town, where he was loaned to Cambridge United. Released by the Mariners at the end of the season, he’s now a free agent.
Dwane Lee
Joining during the Conference winning season, Dwane was one of those players whose off the field antics spoke louder than his performances on the pitch – and it was with no real surprise when he was allowed to leave halfway through the 2005/06 season – joining Kidderminster Harriers. He has since played for numerous Non-League outfits including Maidenhead United and Bromley. He’s now at Borehamwood.
Nicky Bailey
Nicky was another popular player amongst fans, particularly with the partnership he had in the centre of midfield with Deano – also leaving in 2007 for a fee. He joined Southend where he lasted a season (winning the Player of the Year award) and moved to Charlton for a large sum of £750,000. He now plays for Middlesbrough.Giuliano Grazioli
Graz is a real Barnet man who lives and breathes the club. After his countless goals won us promotion to the Football League (and won golden boot for 2004/05), he joined Braintree Town and Dover Athletic before a horrific injury caused him to retire. After playing though, Graz joined Barnet again in April 2010 working in a behind-the-scene role as community development officer. He was then made assistant manager to Martin Allen last season, and after his shock departure, was made caretaker manager – managing the great escape! He is now assistant manager to Lawrie Sanchez. One word sums him up: legend!
Next week’s entry will be on the Conference winning squad of 2004/05.
If there are any squads from yesteryear you would like to see included in this feature - whether it be from a season, or particular match – don’t hesitate to let me know.
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