Where are they now? – 2012/13 programme special (part two)

As many of you are aware, last season it was my job to write up the player biographies on the opposing teams visiting Underhill, for the matchday programme.

Although I received copy from other contributors, which in a lot of cases meant just sub-editing, there was also a lot of researching involved, particularly when information was out-of-date or incorrect.

I came across a number of former Bees while producing the copy, which brought back a lot of memories and was interesting to see how (in some cases, forgotten) players were getting on. I thought I’d include all of these in a ‘where are they now?’ two-part special.

I previously posted part one: My XI former Bees, so here is part two – or everyone else who didn’t make the cut, including a goalkeeper five-a-side.

Goalkeepers

JAKE COLE (Plymouth Argyle)

27-year-old keeper Jake joined the Pilgrims in August 2011 as a free agent and went on to play a huge part in helping the team retain their Football League status. On the books at QPR, he acted as understudy to other goalkeepers including Lee Camp, spending time on loan at various clubs including Hayes, AFC Wimbledon and Barnet. He eventually signed for the Bees on a permanent basis and in his first season was named ‘Player of the Year’; he went on to make over 100 appearances in two years. Following his release he joined Plymouth.

Where are they now? Out of contract, rumours suggest he’s off to join Walsall.

STEVE COLLIS (Rochdale)

Goalkeeper Steve arrived at Spotland towards the end of the January transfer window on non-contract terms. Now at 31, he started his career at Barnet and also had a spell with Nottingham Forest, but first played League football for promoted Yeovil in the 2003/04 campaign. After three seasons at Huish Park, Steve moved on to Southend and has since appeared for several other clubs, including Crewe, Torquay and Northampton.

Where are they now? Signed a one-year deal with Rochdale in May, to act as goalkeeping coach.

ROSS FLITNEY (Gillingham)
Ross began his career at Arsenal before joining Fulham as an apprentice. Released in 2005, he signed for Barnet where he made 58 appearances and will be remembered for that red card after 90 seconds at Old Trafford in League Cup. After two seasons, he dropped down to Non-League football playing for Grays and Croydon, before joining Dover Athletic. The 28-year old shot stopper then moved to Gillingham in 2011 on a two-year deal but knee injuries have kept him out of being first choice.

Where are they now? Released by Gillingham in January, he plays for Eastleigh in the Conference South.

MIKHAEL JAIMEZ-RUIZ (AFC Wimbledon)

The 28-year-old goalkeeper has a wealth of experience, both at club and international level. Venezuelan-born Mikhael played against the likes of Colombia, Brazil and Argentina. Mikhael began his career with Romanian side CFR Cluj. After an unsuccessful trial at Tottenham Hotspur, Mikhael spent time at Barnet, before earning his breakthrough in English football at Aldershot, where he helped the club into the Football League. A move back to his native Venezuela followed and he put in consistent performances for Premier League team Yaracuyanos. He then returned to England re-signing for Aldershot. Mikhael spent last season at Dover Athletic and joined the Dons in August

Where are they now? AFC Wimbledon but will discuss his future on return from holiday.

SAM WALKER (Bristol Rovers)

Young goalkeeper Sam joins Rovers on-loan from Chelsea. At 20 years old, Sam has already had a season and half of experience in League Two with loan spells at Barnet and Northampton. Last year he spent half of the campaign at League One Yeovil.

Where are they now? Returned to parent club Chelsea, after a spell with Colchester.

Defenders

Damian Batt (Oxford)

Where are they now? Free agent, following his release from Oxford.

Strikers

ADAM BIRCHALL (Gillingham)

Striker Adam joined a three-year deal on arrival at Priestfield in 2011, but a cruciate knee injury pre-season kept him out of last campaign. Joining from Dover, Adam was a great success, scoring 63 goals in 93 appearances in all competitions. Starting out at Arsenal, but never making the first team, the 27-year old also had spells with Mansfield and Barnet.

Where are they now? Gillingham.

Where are they now? – 2012/13 programme special (part one)

As many of you are aware, last season it was my job to write up the player biographies on the opposing teams visiting Underhill, for the matchday programme.

Although I received copy from other contributors, which in a lot of cases meant just sub-editing, there was also a lot of researching involved, particularly when information was out-of-date or incorrect.

I came across a number of former Bees while producing the copy, which brought back a lot of memories and was interesting to see how (in some cases, forgotten) players were getting on. I thought I’d include all of these in a ‘where are they now?’ two-part special.

A little bit difficult to compile, particularly considering the numbers (i.e. six goal keepers and three midfielders), part one includes my XI Former Bees. Part two will be in the next couple of days and will include everyone else.

Goalkeeper

LEE HARRISON (Wycombe Wanderers)

Lee joined Wanderers in August as goalkeeping coach, but also registered as a player. The 41-year-old has over 400 appearances during his professional career which began in 1990. A fans’ favourite at Underhill, Lee reached the landmark figure of 300 appearances during his two spells with the Bees; the first (1996-2003) saw him win Player of the Season on three successive occasions). While at Newport, Lee was assistant manager before being put in caretaker charge, albeit for a single game.

Where are they now? Wycombe

Defence

ABU OGOGO (Dagenham & Redbridge)

Right-back Abu is another former Arsenal trainee, who joined The Daggers in July 2009 following his release by the North London club. Having signed his first professional contract in September 2007, Abu was unable to make any first team appearances for the Gunners, instead joining Nottingham Forest and then Barnet on loan. Abu played in the League Two play-off final in 2009/10 and continued to impress playing in League One. The 23-year-old has since proved his versatility, also playing as a central midfielder. He’s now the club captain and signed a new contract last summer.

Where are they now? Dagenham & Redbridge

MICHAEL HECTOR (Cheltenham Town)

Tall centre back Michael joins the Robins on loan from Reading. He’ll be familiar to the Underhill crowd, having made his Football League debut in November 2011 whilst on loan at Barnet. During his time with the Bees, Michael was named ‘Young Player of the Year’. At the beginning of this season the 22-year-old, who can also play in the centre of midfield, joined Shrewsbury on loan, and after being recalled by the Royals, joined Aldershot in November. He arrived to Whaddon Road for an initial month, before having the loan extended until the end of the season.

Where are they now? Returned to Reading after Cheltenham lost in play-off semis

ANTHONY CHARLES (Northampton Town)

31-year-old defender Anthony began his professional career with Crewe Alexandra, never playing a game and joining Hyde on loan for experience. After being released and signing for Non-League Hayes, he moved to Aldershot where the club won the Ryman League Premier Division title. Anthony also enjoyed promotion success with Barnet in 2004/05 and enjoyed a second spell with Aldershot two years later having previously been on loan, while with the Bees. Having made over 150 appearances for Aldershot, Anthony was awarded with the captain’s armband, but injury kept him out toward the end of the 2010/11 season and consequently he was not offered a new contract. He signed for the Cobblers in March.

Where are they now? Without a club, following release from Plymouth (the club he joined in January) in May

GRANT BASEY (Wycombe Wanderers)

Where are they now? Without a club, following release from Wycombe in May

Midfield

BEN STREVENS (Dagenham & Redbridge)

Ben is in his second spell with The Daggers, having previously been at the club in 2006. He’s familiar with the Underhill slope and the Barnet faithful as it was with the Bees that Ben began his career. Scoring 45 goals in his time with the Black and Amber, he was also a member of the squad that won promotion to the Football League in 2005. The 32-year-old joined Crawley in 2006, before suffering a fractured cheekbone. In his first spell at Victoria Road, forward Ben helped the side win promotion from the Conference before moving on to Brentford. He has also enjoyed success with Wycombe, who achieved promotion to League One in 2010/11, before being relegated the following campaign. Ben rejoined The Daggers in January from League leaders Gillingham.

Where are they now? Without a club, following release from the Daggers in May

RYAN BURGE (Port Vale)

Midfielder Ryan signed a two-year deal with Vale in the summer of 2011, joining from Hyde. Prior to that he played for Jerez Industrial, the team partnered with Glenn Hoddle’s academy. Beginning his career with Birmingham, 24-year-old Ryan made a solitary appearance for Barnet, before being struck down with appendicitis. He has also played in Japan.

Where are they now? Without a club, left Port Vale in April

STUART LEWIS (Wycombe Wanderers)

Stuart initially arrived to Adams Park, on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge, but he made the move permanent in January 2011 after an impressive couple of months. The 25-year-old midfielder began his career with Spurs, but moved to Barnet in search of first team football. Limited opportunities encouraged a switch to Stevenage, before joining Gillingham. Stewart was an integral member of the squad which won promotion in the 2010/11 campaign.

Where are they now? Wycombe

SAM DEERING (Cheltenham Town)

Starting his career as a youth at both Chelsea and Charlton Athletic, Sam then linked up with the Oxford United youth set-up. He made his debut against Weymouth, having been promoted to the first team in 2008. Although Sam was sent on loan to Newport for a month, he soon became an integral part of the Us squad that won promotion to the Football League in 2009/10. He’s no stranger to the Underhill slope, having joined Barnet on loan before signing on permanent terms, spending all of last season with the Bees. The 22-year-old midfielder signed for Cheltenham last summer on a two-year contract.

Where are they now? Cheltenham

Strikers

JACK MIDSON (AFC Wimbledon)

Striker Jack embarked on his football career with Stevenage Borough and spent a season with Dagenham & Redbridge before establishing himself at Bishop’s Stortford – he appeared 84 times in three seasons. Following a successful spell at Histon, Jack signed for Oxford United in May 2009 and featured regularly as Oxford gained promotion to the Football League. After spending time on loan at Southend and Barnet, the 29-year-old signed for the Dons in June 2011. He was last season’s joint top scorer in League Two with 18 goals.

Where are they now? AFC Wimbledon

JOHN O'FLYNN (Exeter City)

28-year-old striker John started out as a youngster at Peterborough before joining hometown club Cork City. In six years he racked up 68 goals in 138 appearances, winning the League of Ireland and FAI Cup; as well as becoming a fans’ favourite. From Cork he then signed for Barnet where he spent two seasons and again was amongst the goals. Injuries prevented John from playing as much as he’d have liked last season but fit again he hopes to pick up from where he left off.

Where are they now? Exeter

Fan input: conclusion

Part three of three.

After hearing from fans their favourite and most popular players, I thought it’d be a good idea to conclude my previous two posts and see who was voted the favourite and best player overall.

This is a bit more abrupt than I was hoping, but there isn’t too much to say about it; other than the fact, because of players tied on the same number of votes, rather than being the ultimate 10, it’s 15.

So, after combining the results from both posts, according to my fellow Barnet fans, the 15 look like this:

1          Giuliano Grazioli

2          Gary Phillips

3          Dougie Freedman

=          Liam Hatch

5          Albert Adomah

=          Linvoy Primus

7          Nicky Bailey

=          Lee Harrison

9          Jason Puncheon

=          Andy Clarke

=          Gary Bull

12        Simon King

=          Maik Taylor

14        Darren Currie

=          Kenny Lowe

I’d like to also say a massive thank you to everyone that helped me out with both posts.

Fan input: favourite players

Part two of three.

As is quite obvious now, I’m always interested in what other fans have to say – whether that be my fellow Bees, or supporters of League 2 in general. After completing my own All-Time Bees XI, and then hearing who my fellow supporters would include in their own top 10s, I decided upon finding out the most popular players from times gone by.

For some, there is a possible overlap between this and my last post, as understandably favourite players could be those who do well. But for me, this isn’t the case – there are many other reasons I’d consider a player to my favourite. Whether it be the effort they put in on match day (even if it is to no avail), or the way they endear themselves to the fans, I could probably rattle a list of at least 50 players from my time going to Underhill that I could consider a ‘favourite’.  In fact, I found it difficult just narrowing it down to the 10, and may even do a further piece on my personal favourite 20 or so!

The response to my last post was massive and when asking Barnet fans of their all time favourite 10 players, I wasn’t disappointed – the shortlist contained well over 100 names (four pages of A4, in fact!).

So, according to my fellow Barnet fans, the most popular ever 20 players to play for the club are:

1          Gary Phillips

2          Giuliano Grazioli

=          Liam Hatch

4          Albert Adomah

=          Dougie Freedman

=          Lee Harrison

=          Linvoy Primus

8          Nicky Bailey

=          Andy Clarke

=          Ian Hendon

11        Gary Bull

=          Darren Currie

=          Simon King

=          Scott McGleish

=          Izale McLeod

=          Jason Puncheon

=          Sam Stockley

=          Paul Wilson

=          Ismail Yakubu

20        Ben Strevens

Part three will continue tomorrow, and will see both ‘favourite’ and ‘best’ players combined, to see who is the ‘greatest ever’ Barnet player.

I’d like to also say a massive thank you to everyone that helped me out with both posts.

Fan input: best players

Part one of three.

As is quite obvious now, I’m always interested in what other fans have to say – whether that be my fellow Bees, or supporters of League 2 in general. After having to do my greatest ever starting XI and subs for the programme last season (which you can of course read here), I was interested in seeing who others would include in theirs. The thing is, I think, trying to pick a squad of 11, which is a lot harder than just naming the best players you have seen play. So I decided upon removing a player from my initial line-up and asking others for their best 10 players of all time. To me, this was really interesting, as although I have been going to watch Barnet play since the age of four, there were so many names I had completely forgotten about (and others I couldn’t physically remember for being too young!).

I’m surprised with the response I got, which of course I am very grateful for. There were well over 50 players shortlisted and because of so many players tied with the same amount of votes, I’ve had to change the results to a ‘best 20’.

So, according to my fellow Barnet fans, the best ever 20 players to play for the club are:

1          Giuliano Grazioli

2          Dougie Freedman

=          Lee Harrison

4          Albert Adomah

=          Nicky Bailey

=          Gary Bull

=          Linvoy Primus

=          Jason Puncheon

=          Maik Taylor

10        Andy Clarke

=          Simon King

12        Darren Currie

=          Liam Hatch

=          Ian Hendon

=          Kenny Lowe

=          Gary Phillips

17        Sean Devine

=          Paul Showler

=          Dean Sinclair

20        Scott McGleish

Part two will continue tomorrow, and will see the ‘most popular’ players to put on the black and amber shirt.

I’d like to also say a massive thank you to everyone that helped me out with both posts.

Where are they now? – Part five

There has been somewhat of a delay with the final part of ‘where are they now’ – with the season previews, the new season and everything else. But part five sees the team that managed to preserve League status for second consecutive season, after a 1-0 win at Underhill against Port Vale on the final day of the season. Of course, as is usually the case, we were relying on other results to go our way – and they did with Lincoln losing at home to Aldershot 3-0.

Sam Walker

Young goalkeeper Sam Walker joined Barnet on loan in March of last season, to cover the numerous injuries in that position. He made seven appearances before returning back to his parent club, Chelsea. He’s back on loan for the duration of this season – this time at fellow League 2 club, Northampton Town.

Clovis Kamdjo

Clovis spent his youth career at Reading, and joined the Bees in 2009 after a trial with the club. He made his professional debut in August of the same year, and featured regularly, whilst deputising in the centre of defence for the countless injuries we has during the 2009/10 season. At the end of that same season, he signed an extension on his contract and is still a regular in the heart of the defence.

Daniel Leach

Australian Daniel joined Barnet in 2009 after playing in American University football and moving to England for a trial – and impressing. He joined Non-League Dover Athletic on-loan for a month at the beginning of 2010. When Ian Hendon was sacked at the end of the 2009/10 season, he was released; however, he impressed Mark Stimson whilst on trial and secured himself a new deal. Unfortunately, appearances have been few and far between with long-term injuries; Daniel is still on the club’s books.

Joe Devera

Joe joined the Bees first team squad after being a member of the Protec Youth system. He quickly cemented his place in the squad and over six seasons with the Bees racked up just under 200 appearances. He also won the Player of the Year title for two seasons, firstly in 2007/08 and most recently in 2010/11. He rejected a contract at the end of the season and consequently joined recently relegated, Swindon Town.

Jordan Parkes

Jordan spent most of his career at Watford, but playing on-loan at other clubs including Brentford and Barnet, where he made 10 appearances in 2008. After being released by the Hornets in 2010, he joined the Bees again and has definitely cemented his position in the back four, ever since.

Mark Marshall

Marshall joined Barnet last season, after being released by Swindon Town. Coming through the ranks at non-league Carshalton Athletic, he also played for non-league outfits Grays Athletic and Eastleigh. Since joining the Bees, Marshall has become a popular face in the side and has well warranted his place on the wing – his tricky runs and distribution from crosses being a personal highlight.

Sam Deering

‘Little Sammy Deering’ joined Barnet on loan from fellow League 2 side, Oxford United where he spent the majority of his career; joining them as a youth player in 2006. A loan spell in 2010 and a release from Oxford at the end of the season forced him into a permanent move with the Bees at the end of last season. Like Marshall, LSD is a popular player with fans and his domination of defenders is something to look forward come match time.

Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes joined Barnet in 2009, from Chester City, where he was a regular starter with the club. He’s managed to continue that feat with the Bees and is now, an integral member of the midfield. As well as appearances for the Northern Ireland under 19 team, he has also two full international caps to his name. He is still with the Bees and was the first member of the squad to put his name to paper and commit his future to the club last month.

Mark Byrne

Mark Byrne spent two spells on loan with the Bees last season – joining from parent club Nottingham Forest. He first joined at the start of the season and became a regular face in the midfield line – scoring five times in all competitions (making him the club’s top scorer at the time). Unfortunately his time was cut short, due to injury and he was sent back to the Tricky Trees. However, once fit again he rejoined the club, in March of this year and remained on-loan until the end of the season. After being released by Forest at the end of the season, he joined a two-year deal with Barnet.

Izale McLeod

Probably most well known for his time at MK Dons, where he managed a goal ratio of one every two games – as well as a player of the year award and golden boot award in League 2 for the 2006/07 campaign – Izale McLeod is Barnet’s 23. A million pound move to Charlton in 2007 but countless injuries plagued his time in South London – despite loan spells with Colchester, Millwall and Peterborough. His contract was consequently cancelled in 2010 and unsuccessful trials at the beginning of last season led him to Underhill. He signed a new one-year deal in order to say thanks to the club for getting him back into the game – and it’s safe to say, he could well be back to his best!

Jack Midson

Another loanee from last season was Jack Midson, who like Sam, joined from Oxford United. Only with the club for the last month or so of the season, Jack only made five appearances – the majority of these off the substitutes’ bench. He now plays for newly promoted to the Football League AFC Wimbledon, where he’s made a flying start netting three goals in four games.

Where are they now? – Part four

This installment of 'Where are they now?' looks at the team that managed to preserve League status for another season, after beating already promoted Rochdale 1-0 at Underhill. Of course it was also with thanks to Burton Albion who smashed Grimsby (the only other team threatened with relegation) at the Pirelli stadium.

Jake Cole

Jake joined from QPR after never starting for the then-Championship side. He quickly cemented himself as the Bees first choice goalkeeper, pulling off many a match-winning save! After January of this year, following a hip injury he fell out of favour with the manager – rumour has it there was a bust-up of some form, and it was probably understandable, yet unfortunate he left at the end of last season. Considering the defence in front of him over his time with the club, Jake was definitely a fan's favourite, and wasn't usually to blame for any of the silly and unnecessary goals conceded. At the time of writing, he is currently having a trial at recently relegated Plymouth Argyle, yet to seal a contract anywhere.

Joe Devera

Joe joined the Bees first team squad after being a member of the Protec Youth system. He quickly cemented his place in the squad and over six seasons with the Bees racked up just under 200 appearances. He also won the Player of the Year title for two seasons, firstly in 2007/08 and most recently in 2010/11. He rejected a contract at the end of the season and consequently joined recently relegated, Swindon Town.

Gary Breen

Former Republic of Ireland defender, Gary Breen ended his career with Barnet after appearances with many clubs, most notably Sunderland and Coventry City; as well as playing in the 2002 World Cup. He joined the Bees in 2008, where he signed as player/coach and the following season signed on as a player/assistant manager to Ian Hendon – leaving in June 2010, when he hung up his boots.

Kenny Gillet

French left back Kenny joined Barnet back in 2007 after a year at Caen which saw him never play. He lasted three seasons before being released in 2010; however when new manager Mark Stimson took over, he offered the previously released players contracts. Kenny rejected the offer and ended up joining SPL club Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Ahmed Deen

Sierra Leone international, Ahmed Deen joined Barnet in 2009 after being released by Macclesfield Town. Despite signing a two-year deal, he only lasted a season before being released at the end of his first year at the club. After leaving the Bees he joined Hayes and Yeading, in 2010 and lasted six months – he now plays for Dulwich Hamlets, a side in the Isthmian League Division One South (the eighth tier of football).

Albert Adomah

Albert was a much-loved member of the squad in his two years with the club. His tricks were something special and his performances were the highlight of what was, a terrible season. He always played with a smile on his face and his runs and flair were unpredictable – the majority of the time he was double marked by opponents, but he always managed to get passed them! He left the Bees in 2010, and now plays for Bristol City where he features regularly. Glad he’s been given the chance to play at a higher level, and he can only go on to bigger and better things!

Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes joined Barnet in 2009, from Chester City, where he was a regular starter with the club. He’s managed to continue that feat with the Bees and is now, an integral member of the midfield. As well as appearances for the Northern Ireland under 19 team, he has also two full international caps to his name. He is still with the Bees and was the first member of the squad to put his name to paper and commit his future to the club last month.

Micah Hyde

Jamaican International, Micah Hyde has been in the game for just under twenty years and will probably be best known for his days Cambridge United, Watford and Burnley. He joined the Bees in the 2009/10 season at the age of 35, and only lasted a year before being released. Now at the age of 37, he’s at Billericay Town.

Ed Upson

Ed joined on loan from Ipswich Town where he never made an appearance for the club. After a largely unsuccessful loan at Stevenage in the previous season, Ed only made nine appearances, scoring a solitary goal. After returning to his parent club, he was released at Portman Road and snapped up by Yeovil Town where he continues to play.

John O'Flynn

JOF was a definite fan’s favourite and joined after spending six years at Cork City, his home town club. It’s fair to say he definitely lived up the number nine shirt, racking up the goals in his two years at Underhill. He rejected a £100,000 offer to join Shrewsbury which was to the delight of the majority of fans. However, the elation turned to disappointment when he left, after rejecting a contract at the end of the 2009/10 season. He went on trial with Bristol City, but was unsuccessful; consequently joining Exeter City where he remains today.

Mauro Vilhete

Young, hot prospect, Mauro Vilhete was a result of the club’s youth system – he joined in 2009, after rejecting a scholarship from Aston Villa. A tricky winger/forward, Mauro was called up to the first team that same season, but only ever made the substitutes’ bench. However, he broke through to the first team last season, becoming the club’s youngest ever player, at the age of 17. He’s still with the club, and will hopefully continue to progress!

Next week’s ‘where are they now’ will look at the players involved in the most recent great escape of 2010/11 – the starting XI that managed to beat Port Vale in the final game of the season to preserve League status.

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.

Send suggestions / comments to my Facebook or Twitter.

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Where are they now? – Part three

I was recently asked to compile my All-Time Barnet XI to the programme team (you can find my article here). This week it only seemed apt after my previous entry to focus ‘where are they now’ on the team I selected as my All-Time XI.

Lee Harrison

Lee spent most of his career with the Bees and managed to reach the feat of 300 appearances for the club in two spells; as well as receiving Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons with the club. Lee left Barnet at the end of the 2009/10 season and as well being a goalkeeping coach at Dagenham and Redbridge, he then went on to join non-league Hayes and Yeading. These days he is assistant manager at Newport County.

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.

Linvoy Primus

Linvoy joined Barnet at the start of his career, after two years at Charlton and quickly cemented himself within the first team, racking up over 100 appearances in three seasons. He left the club for £250,000, joining Reading – where he lasted another three seasons. From there he went on to Portsmouth, where he is probably most remembered; spending nine years with the South coast club. However, towards the end of his career, injuries persisted; eventually causing him to retire at the end of 2009.

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 King

Kingy, 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.

Albert Adomah

Albert was a much-loved member of the squad in his two years with the club. His tricks were something special and his performances were the highlight of what was, a terrible season. He always played with a smile on his face and his runs and flair were unpredictable – the majority of the time he was double marked by opponents, but he always managed to get passed them! He left the Bees in 2010, and now plays for Bristol City where he features regularly. Glad he’s been given the chance to play at a higher level, and he can only go on to bigger and better things!

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.

Dean Sinclair

Deano 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.

Jason Puncheon

Puncheon, again, was another that gave the impression his time at Barnet would be limited as he’d be destined to go on to player in a much higher league. And that was the case when he signed for Plymouth Argyle in 2008. His time there was largely unsuccessful and spent most of the 18-months on loan at MK Dons, with three spells at the club. He joined Southampton in 2010 and played regularly under Alan Pardew; however when Nigel Adkins took over, he became out of favour – joining Millwall on loan, as well as then-Premiership outfit Blackpool. In his career, Jason, therefore, has managed to score in all four tiers of the Football League and I wouldn’t be surprised if he joins a Premiership club in the current window.

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!

Dougie Freedman

Dougie began his career with the Bees, joining from QPR’s youth team (he never made a first team appearance). He only lasted a season but scored 24 goals, propelling a £800,000 move to Crystal Palace. He spent 10 of his 16 playing years at Selhurst with three years in between at Wolves and Notts Forest. In his second spell with Palace, Dougie racked up well over 200 appearances and was given legend status for his time and services to the club. He ended his playing career with two years at Southend United before having his contract terminated to join Palace’s coaching staff. He’s now managing Palace where he’s held in highest regard. Of late he’s also continued to big us up on BBC’s Late Kick Off.

Next week’s ‘where are they now’ will look at the players involved in the first great escape of 2009/10 – the starting XI that managed to beat (already promoted) Rochdale in the final game of the season to preserve League status.

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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