My thoughts pre-season

I was recently asked to help out with a post for ItsRoundAndItsWhite, who were after previews from fans of every club. In case you missed it on their website or via Twitter, here are my thoughts:

How did last season measure up, compared to your expectations?

I didn’t expect us to take it down to the final game again – I honestly thought we’d finish between 14th and 18th. There was so much optimism and even talk of the play-offs at one stage. Sanchez was a let down, and despite the team looking good on paper, injuries (particularly long-term) cost us. Typical Barnet – always doing it the hard way.

What do you think of your club’s summer transfer activity, are there more arrivals/exits on the horizon?

We’ve lost a few players; we all knew McLeod would leave (on a free), but didn’t expect to lose captain, Hughes and Deering (now at Cheltenham). Robson has pretty much rebuilt a squad, the majority of which are former West Ham youth. I’m not too sure what to expect really as the average age must be 21, if that. We need a couple more experienced faces, I think – and I’d like to have a more experienced keeper, as the ones we have are young and bound to be prone to error. We need a solid keeper with the abysmal back four we have most seasons!

What would be a dream new season for you?

Anything higher than 22nd and being nowhere near the drop zone!

What would be your worst nightmare?

Relegation in our final season at Underhill.

Who will be your most important player/s this season?

We didn’t have a problem scoring goals last season and we have two new strikers in Jake Hyde and Jon Nurse, so I expect them to do the job – as well as Ricky Holmes, who unfortunately was out-shadowed by McLeod last season. He’s a decent player that doesn’t get enough credit for what he does. Mark Byrne as well will be instrumental in midfield (or right back if the manager decides to permanently play him there!)

Any players you would happily see the back of?

I haven’t seen any of them in action yet, so maybe get back to me on that one.

Do you have the best manager for the job?

Ask me again at the end of December. He seems alright, and already has Football League experience as a coach. He’s popular with fans already for creating a new footballing mantra – after last season, it’ll be nice to see the ball played on the floor a lot more!

Opposition players that you respect?

I’m really struggling to think here. I suppose I have to say former-Bee, Ben Strevens. He’s a genuinely lovely guy – glad to see him still playing at this level.

Opposition players that you despise?

Danny Hylton of Aldershot. There was an incident of racial abuse last season at Underhill resulting in an altercation with another one of our players. I just don’t like him. He won’t be getting a good reception this season! Mohsni of Southend (if he’s even still there?) also deserves a mention here for his theatrics and general annoyances.

Best away fans/ground in your league?

Last season, Plymouth brought the best fans. Considering their off-the-field issues at the time and position in the table, I was really impressed with amount that travelled to North London. They were vocal throughout as well – even though they lost! My favourite ground has to be Sixfields – it’s so easy to create a decent atmosphere in the away end, and for a modern ground it’s pretty smart. It gets bonus points for being perfectly positioned near a TGIs as well!

Which teams do you really want to beat this season?

The Crawley of 2012/13, Fleetwood – that’d be nice. I’d also love to smash AFC Wimbledon at home again, that was a pretty good game! Although I’d take any win against any team, to be honest. We don’t really see that many!

Finally, where do you honestly think you will finish?

Heart says 17th, head says 22nd.

Follow – @RoundAndWhite

2011 round-up (part four)

After compiling the round-up for months January-March, April-June and July-September, here is the fourth and final instalment to complete the year.

October

Despite previously stating the squad was good enough, Sanchez hinted at delving into the loan market, following injuries to Darren Dennehy, Ricky Holmes and Jordan Parkes – although they were all fit before the month was out. This view was reinforced further after his criticisms of the back four saying: “conceding an average of two goals a game is atrocious”.

The club was charged for failing to control their players, after the win against Aldershot. The post-match mêlée meant both teams were fined £1000. Charlie Taylor also felt the FA’s wrath after video evidence showed him spitting at an opponent – landing him a three match ban.

Some good news in October was that loanee, Gary Borrowdale extended his loan spell until the end of the year.

Sam Cox went on loan to seek first team football – joining Borehamwood for an initial month.

The month ended badly with a 6-3 home defeat to Burton Albion – with boos and jeers circulating the ground before the whistle had finally been blown. Sanchex fully accepted the blame saying: “I am responsible for that shambles… and that is a performance that a lot of clubs change managers on”. Ultimately, despite previous claims the squad didn’t need changing, he decided three or four new faces would be fast appearing.

01/10              Barnet v Northampton         (L)       1–2
08/10              Shrewsbury v Barnet          (L)       2–3
15/10              Barnet v Aldershot              (W)      2–1
22/10              Hereford v Barnet               (L)       0–1
25/10              Barnet v Southend              (L)       0–3
29/10              Barnet v Burton                  (L)       3–6

            3 points from 18
Goals For: 8              Goals Against: 16

04/10  (JPT Round 2) Gillingham v Barnet         (W)      3–1

November

 A lot of ins and outs in November with Sanchez sticking by his word of bringing in a number of new players. First to leave, however, was Lloyd Owusu, joining Hayes and Yeading on a month’s loan, after failing to start a single game. Youngster, Mauro Vilhete soon followed, another month away, at Hendon. Sam Cox extended his spell with Borehamwood by a month – he’d played six, won six, since arriving. Tommy Fraser finally left the club, after having his contract terminated.

Milton Keynes brought a fair few for their FA Cup game,
and Izale got a good reception, too!

Welcome to (1) central defenders, Paul Downing and Michael Hector, from West Brom and Reading, respectively. Welcome to (2) Jack Saville, a third young defender arriving from Southampton. Initially joining for a solitary month, he quickly extended this until January. Welcome to (3) Crystal Palce midfielder, Alassane N’Diaye, on a ‘short term’ deal. Welcome to (4) 24 year-old striker, Gavin McCallum. The Canadian international joining from Lincoln City was brought in to replace injured Steve Kabba. Welcome to (5) Cedric Baseya, a striker from Reading.

For the second time this calendar year, two Bees were picked out for the League Two Team of the Week – Dean Brill and Clovis Kamdjo. Not a bad feat for a side constantly in the bottom four.

Bad news this month for Steve Kabba, who had been suffering with a knee injury for some time – out for the “foreseeable future”, possibly for the rest of the season. The striker, who had signed a two-year deal was set to have to have surgery on the persistent injury in December.

05/11              AFC Wimbledon v Barnet              (D)       1–1
19/11              Bristol Rovers v Barnet                  (W)      2–0
25/11              Barnet v Macclesfield                    (W)      2–1

            7 points from 9
Goals For: 5              Goals Against: 2

08/11  (JPT Quarter Final) Cheltenham v Barnet          (W)      2–0
12/11 (FA Cup Round 1) Southport v Barnet                (W)      2–1

December

Love evening games - another Friday v Macc.

The stadium saga continued this month with the stark reality that it was more than likely the club would be leaving Underhill and having to relocate elsewhere – even as far as out of the borough. The club wrote to the Football League and in their reply stated that Barnet would be unable to start next season at their home of the last 104 years. Kleanthous said of the proposed move: “I, for one, will not shed a tear and want to look forward and think of how much we can achieve once released from the artificial chains that bind us. This blinkered council will never know what they had until they have finally lost it”.

Unbeaten in November was how the Bees fared – two wins and a draw in the League, as well as victories in the JPT and FA Cup. For this feat, Sanchez was nominated for the League Two, Manager of the Month award; he lost out to eventual winner, Mark Yates of Cheltenham Town.

Michael Hector, the young Reading defender, dubbed “a young Rio Ferdinand” extended his loan spell until January 2^nd. Lloyd Owusu left the club after returning from his time away at Hayes and Yeading. Sam Cox continued his time away at Borehamwood – extending his loan move by a third month. Steve Kabba finally had his knee operation in the middle of December and is now in the process of rehabilitation.

After media rumours, again, linking Sanchez with a move to be become Northern Ireland manager, he gave an official statement to the club pledging his commitment to his current contract. He made it clear: “no formal contact has been made [to me] by the Irish Football Association”.

And he continued to make headlines after being reported to the FA for reprimanding with the referee during the game against Cheltenham. He was sent to the stands following a dubious penalty decision awarded to the visitors – with players and fans on both sides still wondering what it was given for! The referee came out and said that Mark Hughes manhandled an opponent in the penalty area, but video highlights still prove otherwise. Lawrie was given two charges of misconduct – the first relating to his language and behaviour at halftime, regarding the aforementioned spot kick; the second is reported to have been as a result of leaving his place in the Main Stand during the second half and standing too close to the proximity of the pitch, to voice his opinions.

Gary Borrowdale, the QPR loanee had planned on extending his stay until the end of the season, but the move had to be put on hold before the year was out – contractual issues at his parent club being the reason for this.

A tough draw for the second round of the FA Cup.

09/12              Torquay v Barnet                           (L)       0–1
16/12              Barnet v Cheltenham                      (D)      2–2
26/12              Dagenham + Redbridge v Barnet    (L)       0–3
30/12              Crawley v Barnet                           (L)       0–1

            1 point from 12
Goals For: 2              Goals Against: 7

03/12  (FA Cup Round 2) Barnet v MK Dons     (L)       1–3
06/12  (JPT Semi Final) Barnet v Brentford      (W)      0–0 (5–3 on pens)

2011 round-up (part three)

 After compiling the round-up for months January-March and April-June, here’s instalment part three.

July

The club received compensation from Notts County after reporting the club to the FA and Football League for their illegal approach for Martin Allen.

With pre-season in full-flow, trialists were on display, hoping to sign up contracts before the start of the campaign.



Pre-season results:
16/07 – Barnet v Peterborough     (D)       2–2
20/07 – Barnet v Gabala               (W)      1–0
23/07 – Barnet v Tottenham XI      (W)      3–2     (Lee Harrison’s testimonial)
26/07 – Chesham v Barnet XI        (L)       0–4
27/07 – Sutton v Barnet                (W)      4–2
30/07 – Barnet v MK Dons            (D)       1–1



Two more players wrapped up contract deals in July, with Steve Kabba signing for two years and Danny Senda, one year.



My Season Ticket

August

The month began with more short-term contracts for players who had initially joined the club on a trial basis. Jason Price and Ryan Watts both signed one-month deals after impressing in the pre-season games. Longer term, goal keeper, Dean Brill, put his name to a one-year deal, after being released by Oldham; hoping to stake his claim as Barnet’s number one. The final signing of the month was another one-month deal for defender Exodus Geohaghon. On the transfer front, both Price and Watts had their contracts ended at the end of month with the former going on to sign for Morecambe (the team he scored against on the opening game of the season!).

First game back after holiday, v Gillingham

Defenders Darren Dennehy and Daniel Leach – both of which were injured throughout the previous season – became long-term injury doubts again.



Lawrie Sanchez came out and said he was happy with the squad and won’t be bringing in any more players – a statement that didn’t go down well with fans and would come back to bite him once the season was underway.

The club said “NO” twice in August. 1) To the Cameroonian Football Federation, who had invited Clovis Kamdjo to train with the under-23’s squad. 2) To Charlton Athletic who had bid for winger, Mark Marshall, on deadline day. There was also interest from a number of other Championship and League 1 clubs.

06/08              Morecambe v Barnet           (W)      1–0
13/08              Barnet v Port Vale                (L)       1–3
16/08              Barnet v Gillingham              (D)       2–2
20/08              Rotherham v Barnet             (D)       2–2
27/08              Bradford v Barnet                 (L)       2–4

            5 points from 15
Goals For: 8              Goals Against: 11

09/08  (League Cup Round 1) Portsmouth v Barnet     (W)      1–0
23/08 (League Cup Round 2) Burnley v Barnet            (L)       2–3 (aet)
30/08  (JPT Round 1) Colchester v Barnet                  (W)      3–1

September



Despite last month’s news Darren Dennehy was bound to be a long-term doubt, he has a surprise return against Colchester in the JPT stating: “I feel perfect… as if I was never injured”.

Despite their troubles, Plymouth brought a fair few with them!

Darren Dennehy and Izale McLeod made the League 2 Team of the Week, and Izale was also in contention for Player of the Month award for his five goals throughout September.

Again, more signings this month – Lloyd Owusu a straight-forward replacement for Jason Price who, the previous month, had been let go by the club. Defender, Gary Borrowdale also joined on loan from QPR – in the hope the defence would become more stable and prevent conceding so many and unnecessary goals.

The first for the season, regarding the ground saga and the club’s future, came to rise when Chairman Tony Kleanthous broke his silence. The initial argument surrounded the fact the Saracens’ rugby team had planned to relocate to Copthall Stadium, an area that the Bees’ had previously been looking into. He then later in the month stated that the club’s days at Underhill were clearly numbered, although hoping we’d get to play at least half of next season at the ground.

03/09              Barnet v Accrington Stanley          (D)       0–0
10/09              Crewe Alexandra v Barnet             (L)       1–3
13/09              Barnet v Plymouth Argyle              (W)      2–0
17/09              Barnet v Oxford                             (L)       0–2
24/09              Swindon v Barnet                          (L)       0–4

            4 points from 15
Goals for: 3                Goals Against: 9

Part four is the final part of the 2011 round-up, and will include months October-December; keep your eyes peeled as it will feature in the New Year.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for reading my blog and for the continued support and feedback! When I started writing, I didn’t think I’d have as many views and followers as I have, so thank you all, and have a very happy New Year! Hoping for a few new ideas for 2012, so if you have any suggestions of things you’d like to read, let me know!

2011 round-up (part two)

After compiling the round-up for months January-March, here is the second part including months April-June.

April

Goal machine, Izale McLeod

The biggest news of the month was that of Martin Allen’s departure – after only 18 days as manager, despite being contracted until the end of the season. Never mind his claim: “call me Mart”, most Bees’ fans were calling him every name under the sun, as this wasn’t the first time he’d left us in the lurch at a crucial part of the campaign – this time, joining League1 strugglers, Notts County. The man to take over, club legend Giuliano Grazioli; saying of the post “it’s an honour”. Lawrie Sanchez came in to act as assistant manager to Graz for the rest of the season. The club did, however, report Notts County to the Football League and Football Association for their illegal approach of Allen.

A bit of silverware came Barnet’s way, albeit in the form of the Herts Senior Cup. After beating Stevenage (2–1) at Underhill, Barnet were the pride of Hertfordshire. A goal in each half from Charlie Stimson ensured the victory, meaning we had won the trophy for the first time in four years.

With the end of the season almost at a close there were of course more injuries scuppering our fight for survival. John Dunleavy who had previously signed a loan deal until the end of the season was the victim of a freak accident at the training ground; Steve Kabba was the other casualty with his re-occurring knee injury.

02/04              Burton v Barnet                                (W)      4–1
09/04              Barnet v Crewe                                (W)      2–1
16/04              Bury v Barnet                                    (L)       0–2
23/04              Gillingham v Barnet                         (W)      4–2
25/04              Barnet v Oxford                                (D)       2–2
30/04              Accrington Stanley v Barnet           (L)        1–3

            10 points from 18
Goals For: 13            Goals Against: 11

Pitch invasion - great escape part two

May

The highlight of a long, tough season, without a doubt, was preserving League status for the second year running on the final day of the season. A victory against Port Vale was boosted massively with the news that Lincoln City had lost at home to Aldershot (3–0). The celebrations at the end of the game will probably never be forgotten with players and fans on the pitch together – Grazioli had mastered the great escape!

The usual end of season players’ party and awards took place the following day. Joe Devera won the Player of the Year award, as well as Most Improved Player; Sam Deering, too, won two awards – Young Player of the Season and Goal of the Season, for one his strikes against champions elect, Chesterfield.

Lawrie Sanchez agreed a deal with the club to be manager for the 2011/12 campaign, with announced ‘dream team’ to be complete with Grazioli as his assistant.  Michael Stone also decided to continue his role as first team coach.

With the close season now in full-swing, the first players were shipped out as the new management team drew up its retained list. The players to go were: Glen Southam, Jake Cole, Rossi Jarvis, Charlie Stimson, Danny Kelly and Reece Yorke. The first players to sign new deals were also announced: Sam Deering and Mark Hughes, much to the delight of the Bees’ faithful.

07/05              Barnet v Port Vale                            (W)      1–0

            3 points from 3
Goals for: 1                Goals Against: 0      



Players and fans celebrating - and a steward casually in my way!

June

A reasonably quiet month was boosted by the fact that goal hero (with 14 goals in 25 starts), Izale McLeod was set to sign a year’s deal as a thank you to the club for giving him the opportunity to shine again. In his words: “taking [him] on when [he] was a forgotten man” concluding “I owe Barnet a lot”. The good news kept on coming with midfielder Mark Byrne also signing on, following his two successful loan spells.

After his two awards and a commanding season, albeit in a bad back four, Joe Devera left the club for Swindon Town – one of the four clubs to be relegated. He became the club’s first signing after they had previously made headlines for appointing Paulo Di Canio manager.

Further bad news was announced that the traditional money-making pre-season friendly with Arsenal was to be cancelled. The only reason given – because Underhill only plays venue to four of Arsenal’s reserve games in the coming season. Instead, the Gunners toured Asia.

The squad also reported back to the Hive this month for the first time for pre-season training; only one goalkeeper made up the squad, with a further 15 outfield players.

Part three of the 2011 round-up will include months July-September and should feature in a couple of days time.

2011 round-up (part one)

So 2011 was an interesting calendar year for the Bees, so I thought I’d do a month-by-month round-up of events at Underhill. Here is part one, of four.

January

The year began on a high when on the first day of the month, of the year even, Mark Stimson was finally given his marching orders. It was a long time coming, with a complete lack of ineptitude shown during the first half of the 10/11 season. Paul Fairclough was the man to take temporary charge and his tenure as Bees’ boss didn’t begin well – a 4–2 away loss to rivals, Stevenage – with Grant Basey scoring a spectacularly bad own goal!

Local boy, Danny Hart left the club after not featuring for six months. He had loan spells at a number of Non-League outfits in order to play first team football, including Hemel Hempstead and Thurrock. Further departures quickly followed in the form of loanees Craig Dobson, Kevin Gallen and George Francomb – with the latter, really, having any kind of impact on the first team. Glenn Poole was the final player to leave in January – again, for lack of first team football – after being told he didn’t fit into the manager’s plans. Since the start of the campaign, Stimson brought in around 19 players, after pretty much the entire squad was released at the end of the previous campaign. So it was with no real surprise all the deadwood was removed with a new man at the helm.

Further news this month was that Ricky Holmes would be out for the rest of the season. His injury: a broken metatarsal in his right foot. He’d previously hit some decent form, since his arrival from Chelmsford City, so was a loss for us.

01/01              Barnet v Aldershot              (L)        1–2
03/01              Stevenage v Barnet            (L)        2–4
08/01              Bradford v Barnet              (W)       3–1
15/01              Barnet v Shrewsbury          (D)       1–1
22/01              Macclesfield v Barnet         (D)       1–1
25/01              Port Vale v Barnet              (D)       0–0
29/01              Barnet v Southend              (L)       0–2

6 points from 21
Goals For: 8              Goals Against: 11

Fog called off our game with Aldershot

February

Our away game at Aldershot which was supposed to take place on February 1^st was called off at half time due to fog. The score was 1–1 with Mark Marshall scoring a wonder goal. Another Tuesday night game…

Despite our woeful League campaign thus for, crashing out of every Cup competition, the Herts Senior Cup was where it was really at. Two games in February, and two victories – a 4–1 against Hadley was matched by a 6–2 against Broxbourne, meaning a place in the semi-finals of the competition, all for the illustrious title ‘Pride of Hertfordshire’.

Yet more loan signings were added to the mix. Firstly, Sam Deering from Oxford and Anthony Pulis (yes, Tony Pulis’ son) from Southampton. Both joining until the end of the season. The former was soon set to become an Underhill favourite! They were soon followed by American, Kwame JJ Adyeman-Pamboe. Who? Exactly!

John Dunleavy the Wolves defender on-loan also extended his spell with the club, albeit only playing once during the month of January.

05/02              Northampton v Barnet         (D)      0–0
12/02              Barnet v Torquay               (L)       0–3
19/02              Cheltenham v Barnet          (D)      1–1
22/02              Southend v Barnet             (L)       1–2
26/02              Barnet v Lincoln                (W)      4–2

            5 points from 15
Goals For: 6              Goals Against: 8

Back when everyone got excited about football

March

The Herts Senior Cup looked ever more likely to be heading our way with a semi-final victory against Cheshunt, even though it took extra time. Mauro Vilhete who had a busy March – signing a long-term contract, and joining the young Portuguese camp in training – got the solitary goal. Stevenage would be our opponents in the final, and would be hoping to make it a hat-trick of victories in League and Cup for the season.

With the end of the season fast approaching and our League status looking more and more precarious, loan signings were brought in thick and fast. Mark Byrne was the first, returning after a previous spell. He scored four goals in 15 appearances before heading back to parent club, Notts Forest following injury. Another player who had proved to be a hit and a great future prospect. He was followed by young left back, Matty Parsons (Crystal Palace) who quickly cemented his place in the side, and extended his initial one-month loan until the end of the season. Injuries pretty much plagued our season, and third loan signing, Sam Walker, from Chelsea, was no exception to that. The goalkeeper was rushed in following injuries to both keepers Jake Cole and Liam O’Brien (although rumour had it the former had a bust-up with a member of staff and would be likely to leave at the end of the season!). Towards the end of the month, two more faces joined the Bees in Jude Stirling (MK Dons) and Jack Midson (Oxford).

Injuries again, were the talking point, and given our previous bad luck were to be expected. Jude Stirling was the first, after making his debut for the club; Anthony Pulis was the second – an injury in the warm-up prior to our game with Chesterfield!

But the main talking point from March was that of the return of former Bees’ boss, Martin Allen; brought in by the Chairman as a “final throw of the dice” for us to preserve our League status. Reappointed ‘mad dog’ signed a contract until the end of the season – a mere eight games! Giuliano Grazioli was immediately made assistant manager.

05/03              Rotherham v Barnet            (D)       0–0
08/03              Barnet v Wycombe             (L)       0–1
12/03              Hereford v Barnet               (W)      2–1
19/03              Barnet v Morecambe           (L)       1–2
22/03              Aldershot v Barnet              (L)        0–1
26/03              Barnet v Chesterfield          (D)        2–2

            5 points from 18
Goals For: 5              Goals Against: 7

Part two of the round-up will include months April–June and should feature in a couple of days time.

Southend Away in February

The ins and outs of 2011/12

With the transfer window well and truly shut now, I thought it’d be best to keep up to date with what’s being happening at Barnet. Unfortunately, there was no such drama as was witnessed in the Premier League; in fact, it was reasonably quiet – with nerves kicking in over rumours, which were soon put to bed. The loan window, however, opens next week and will remain open until the fourth Thursday in November, in the case of this year, the 25^th – I’ll hopefully update this during the next window in January.

August window

In

Dean Brill

> Oldham Athletic

Goalkeeper Dean Brill initially joined on a two week trial but signed a contract, replacing Jake Cole, who left at the end of last season. He quickly cemented his place as first choice keeper, ahead of young Liam O’Brien.

Mark Byrne

> Nottingham Forest

Mark Byrne joined after being released from Nottingham Forest. He played twice on-loan with the club last season, with an unfortunate injury ruling him out for a couple of months and a return to his parent club. Whilst on loan, he was at one point the club’s top scorer and is a popular choice with fans, who were happy to see him sign a permanent contract.

Sam Deering

> Oxford United

Another of last season’s loanees is Sam Deering, who joined the club after being released from Oxford United. Like Byrne, LSD was a massive hit with fans whilst on loan, so it was no real surprise to see him join the club on a permanent basis. His runs down the wings and domination of defenders is something to look forward come match time.

Exodus Geohaghon

> Free agent

Big defender Exodus joined after his release from Peterborough United in August. He initially came on trial but signed a one month contract following its success. The Rory Delap of League 2, his long throw is weapon to frighten defenders, especially in the penalty area.

Danny Senda

> Free agent

Like Exodus, Danny Senda also joined the club as a free agent, following his release from relegated Bristol Rovers.

Out

Jake Cole

< Plymouth Argyle

Tom Coulton

< Free agent

Joe Devera

< Swindon Town

Rossi Jarvis

< Cambridge United

Danny Kelly

< Free agent

Glen Southam

< Dover Athletic

Charlie Stimson

< Free agent

Reece Yorke

< Free agent

In and out!

Jason Price and Ryan Watts

Both Jason Price and Ryan Watts joined the club on one month contracts, which were cancelled at the end of last month. Jason Price made seven starts, scoring once. It was obvious his contract had been cancelled when he was left out of the 3-1 win against Colchester United in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Ryan Watts, on the other hand, never played – suffering with a hamstring injury when he arrived, which still hasn’t healed.