Barnet F.C - Underhill to 'King of The Hill'

Barnet Appoint New ‘King Of The Underhill’

Following the resignation of former manager Lawrie Sanchez, Barnet have approached former Sunday League footballer Perry Hales on a contract of £675 p/w lasting till 2013.

Barnet have been notoriously known for their poor league positions having been promoted from the Conference in 2005 and only ever finishing as high as 12th in the npower league 2. Chairman Tony Kleanthous clearly felt a change was necessary and deemed Hales fit for the position. Despite this, he has been poor financial support with a transfer budget of £5K and a wage budget of £17.25K, currently spending £15.75K, with the expectation of avoiding relegation for a seventh season since their promotion.

A first glance at the team report screams a lack of quality in the middle of the park and defence, two areas that Hales is aiming to tighten up if Barnet are to climb up the League ladders. A closer examination of the squad shall be conducted and anyone deemed unfit for the orange kit shall be sold to make room for promising youth or short term deals for a few ‘leaders’.

Tactically, Hales has stated he shall play two variants of a 4-5-1; firstly with a simple controlling short passing game one DM playing as an Anchorman with two CM’s – to be used at home or when we are favourites.
The second a more direct, counter-attack orientated with two DM’s playing Anchorman and one CM in a supportive Deep Lying Playmaker role - to be used away from home or when expected to lose.

As the squad prepare for pre-season with an arduous Conditioning training schedule, Hales has stated his intentions of an upheaval of players and staff to get the club moving up.

With sights set
on new CB’s, DM’s, CM’s and a LB, Hales has his work cut out from the get-go…

Any suggestions?

Disturbing the Beehive, Yet the Honey is Sweet

New Bees manager Perry Hales has had two separate attempts at signing specialist coaches; fitness and goalkeeping respectively, shunned by the board even after terminating one of the overpaid Youth Coaches.

Furthermore, previous captain Mark Hughes has expressed his disappointment to losing the armband to Goalkeeper Dean Brill.

On a brighter note for the new manager, Hales has established a link with Middlesborough as a Parent Club generating just under £30k per annum with a possibility of loaning players for free and a pre-season friendly in which Barnet retain all gate receipts. To add to this, Hales has gained the services of the experienced Quinton Fortune on a free transfer with a few promising loanees as a result of the dire financial support Hales has been entrusted with.

Now to the football, Barnets pre-season has been a positive one with the following results;

Barnet 5 – 2 Barnet Reserves
Barnet 1 – 1 Stevenage
Staines 1 – 3 Barnet
Dorchester 0 – 2 Barnet
Barnet 0 – 1 Arsenal Reserves
Salisbury 0 – 2 Barnet

Comfortable wins, apart from Stevenage and a strong Arsenal reserve side.

Despite this Barnet have been drawn a tough draw in the Carling Cup hosting Reading at Underhill, three days after they open their campaign against Bristol Rovers.

Dude you are playing with my favorite team! Bravo sir.

I am inspired to manage Barnet now!

‘Brill’iant Start

Barnet 0 - 0 Bristol Rovers

After being outplayed all game and not having a single shot, Barnet have scraped a 0 – 0 draw against Bristol Rovers thanks to a spirited performance to newly appointed captain and goalkeeper Dean Brill.

Having to wave a barrage of attacks totally up to 17 shots, 7 of which on target, Barnet claim a point in their opening game they were expected to lose heavily in. Hales said after the game, it was deserved although they will have to step up and if the attack force of Barnet continues to not produce look into bringing in a new face.

Next game; Reading (H) - Carling Cup First Round

Authors Notes

Thank you both, I normally manage Arsenal but wanted a bigger challenge so I chose Barnet as I am local to them so thought it was a fitting choice, and they are struggling consistently, especially when I watch Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports 1...

Barnet Upset The Odds

Barnet 2 - 1 Reading

In a fiery battle in which 6 yellow cards were handed out Barnet have shocked everyone and won what was tipped as another match Barnet were certain to lose. Hales words of absent proficiency up front were heard by the team and today they certainly proved him wrong.

Again Dean Brill put in a superb performance in goal and is clearly not faded by the responsibilities as Captain, but the magic really happened when Jordan Obita, winger on loan from Reading, broke into the box and smashed the ball in the net on 42mins.

Despite Reading dominance in the game, totting up 18 shots (8 on target), The Bees’ resilience paid off when Izale McLeod was hacked down in the box and winger Mark Marshall converted from the spot.

Reading didn’t give up, ensuring Barnet would have to remain alert and it appears there were too many celebrations when straight from the kick-off Reading broke and Jimmy Kebe halved the deficit.

It was a gruelling last 5 minutes, but Barnet held on to their lead, commencing into the Second Round of the Carling Cup.

Hales stated after the game that it was a brilliant occasion and the lads fully deserved their win.

Days later, Barnet were drawn Sunderland at home in the Carling Cup Second Round...

Next game; Bradford (A) - Npower League 2

The Bees Blast Past Bradford

Bradford 0 - 2 Barnet

In an exceptional game at Valley Parade, Barnet took home the spoils of three points back to London. It first looked like a bad day when Bradford were given a dubious penalty on nine minutes but Dean Brill showed class in saving Bradfords David Clarksons shot.

A much closer encounter than Barnet has come across lately and honours were even at half time, but in the 53rd minute Jamaican winger Mark Marshall broke away to put Barnet ahead and then worked more magic to double the lead in the 75th minute when his shot struck Bradford defender Andrew Davies and crossed the line for an own goal.

This result sees Barnet climb to fourth on the table with four points that no one expected them to have.

Next game; Cheltenhem (H) - Npower League 2

The Bees Fail to Sting

Barnet 0 - 0 Cheltenhem

Barnet Winger Mark Marshall was recognized for his heroic display against Bradford and named in the Npower League 2 Team of The Week. Nonetheless, he and Barnet failed to make chances pay in a match they dominated against ten-man Cheltenham. Striker Darryl Duffy was sent off for going in two-footed against Barnet defender Kamdjo.

Other than that, there was not much to say from this match as the result ended in a bore-draw, 0 – 0. The most threatening chances came from Kamdjo headers from corners at the near post, or Marshall’s dazing run through the Cheltenham defence ending in a weak shot at the ‘keeper.

On a more positive note, Dean Brill has continued to be singled out by manager Perry Hales as the squads top performer, being awarded Man of the Match against Cheltenham, and still yet to concede in the league.

Next game; Burton Albion (A) - Npower League 2

Marshall Keeps Run Going At The Pirelli Stadium

Burton Albion 0 - 2 Barnet

Another inspired performance by in-form Barnet winger sees Barnet steal the points from Burton.

In a game no-one expected them to win, they set off on the front foot and took the game to Burton Albion. Burton weren’t without their chances but Dean Brill has been a wall in the sticks for Barnet and left with another clean sheet.

The breakthrough came when Izale McLeod set Marshall off on a counter attacking run from within his own half after a Burton corner to slot home coolly. Marshall then returned the favour in the 81st minute when he crossed in front of goal for McLeod to nod in from 6 yards.

Barnet seem to be playing confidently and you have to wonder whether Hales could do the unthinkable and finish in the top half of the table, but before that they face a tough test with Sunderland visiting for a place in the Third Round of the Carling Cup.

Next game; Sunderland (H) - Carling Cup Second Round

Hales Proud Despite Loss

Barnet 0 - 0 Sunderland (Sunderland win 3-2 on penalties)

Hales’ boys have been knocked out of the Carling Cup as result of a penalty shoot-out against Sunderland, after holding them 0 – 0 for 120 minutes, playing over an hour with 10 men due to an injury and no remaining substitutes.

Connor Wickham and Craig Gardner were consistently attacking the Barnet goal but Dean Brill can not be faulted for yet another exceptional performance against the Premiership outfit. Barnet had a few chances but Black Cats ‘keeper Mignolet was assured in goal and kept it clean apart from in the penalty shoot-out.

Clovis Kamdjo missed his penalty which gave Sunderland the win, but everyone at Barnet F.C can be proud of the performance.

Next game; Shrewsbury (H) - Npower League 2

Shrews Stung by The Bees

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Barnet make a great comeback and overturn a 0 – 1 deficit into a 3 – 1 win thanks to notable performances from McLeod and Dennehy.

Slack defending saw Michael Jones put Shrewsbury up, until centre-back Dennehy, back after time out with injury, levelled the score before half time with a well placed header from a corner.

McLeod then put Barnet in the lead after jinking past Shrews ‘keeper and slotting into an empty net before Dennehy doubled Barnets lead to two goals with a replicate of his previous one.

This result sees Barnet into 2nd place with their next game away to struggling Hereford who find themselves 22nd in the league.

Hales Rattles Boardroom

Rumours are that Barnet manager Perry Hales has had a few requests rejected by the board and made his opinions known. It is suggested he wanted a higher wage budget to approach more staff, notably scouts to increase their pool of players, and a greater scouting range to coincide with this.

This isn’t the first time rookie manager Hales has been dismissed empty handed by the Board and word is that relationships are starting to become tense.

Bees Blast Bull’s To Mincemeat

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The earlier comments by Hales this season continue to ring hot in the ears of his forwards as a vintage display sees them beat Hereford 5 – 2.

After going down 1 – 0 to poor marking by the Barnet defenders Izale McLeod decided to take the Bull’s by the horns and blast a hat-trick past them. Steven Leslie grabbed another goal back for Hereford but were completely outplayed and winger Ricky Holmes grabbed a well deserved goal after playing architect all game.

After being tipped for a rock bottom finish by most media outfits, Barnet are clearly playing above all expectations and currently hold top-spot. Their next game sees them host Dagenham & Redbridge.

Board Meeting

As I waited for his PA to send me through I sat their, feeling vindicated by our current performances. I thought this was going to be about my requests and thought he might have had a change of heart and come to his senses, I was wrong...

I walked into his office, it was well equipped, expensive and frustrating to see that he cared more about this than the development of the club.

Kleanthous gestured for me to sit down, "Congratulations on your current performances, the team are playing very well, morale is high in the changing rooms and clearly your capture of Lee Collins has showed to be a great piece of judgement"

"Thanks for the recognition," I was beaming inside, he was going to give me what I wanted.

"Now, that's all well and good," his tone was suddenly stern. "But we lost just under £25K last month, our match day costs are more than the match day income, not to mention the pitch maintenance..." He spread the budget sheets across the desk, pointing out the red figures.

"This needs to be sorted out before you can even fathom any of your requests being met!"

"With all do respect, I think it is only a matter of time before fans begin crowding in again. Might I suggest a family day, lower prices for the match tickets and..."

"I will do no such thing!" He screamed, "I want this mess fixed, sooner rather than later!" He ushered me to the door. The meeting was clearly over.

I was incensed, after what I have done already surely I should command a bit more respect from the higher echelons of the club. His attractive PA caught my eye as I left, having heard everything and gave me a condescending grin, “What a b***h!” I thought to myself...

Lack of Discipline Provides Terrible Contest

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As rumours flare of a spat between Barnet manager & chairman it appears the aggression has boiled over onto the pitch as Barnet and Dag & Red finish 0 – 0.

The encounter at Underhill was very fractured due to the high volume of free kicks mostly going to Dag & Red, which forced the referee to hand Barnet four yellow cards, two of which for Jordan Parkes who was given a red card. Hales stated that the lack of discipline will see Parkes out of a few games as well as a fine of one weeks wages.

Dag & Red, although not as documented by referee Mark Clattenburg proved to be no angels by picking up a yellow and injuring Barnets Jordan Obita.

Nevertheless, Barnet still hold top spot by one point and sees their next game at Underhill hosting 6th placed Accrington.

September Round-Up

September ends and Barnet still find themselves in pole position for automatic promotion and the League title, much to everyone’s surprise. A mixed bag of results for The Bees who were previously unbeaten see them with two losses and two wins to round off September and October 1st.

After the poor contest against Dag & Red, Barnet put in a good all round performance to beat Accrington Stanley 2 – 0 thanks to goals form Sam Deering and Steve Kabba, back from the sidelines due to injury.

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This win was short-lived due to the 3 – 1 drubbing they suffered at the hands of Crewe. After going 1 – 0 down and clawing back an equaliser before half-time Barnet appeared to be back in the game. Crewe had other ideas and had the momentum at the restart and scored two quick goals and contained Barnet for the rest of the match.

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The next game saw Barnet away to the New York Stadium against Rotherham. After having a Mark Marshall header controversially chalked off, Rotherham snatched the win and held on with 10-men. Hales openly criticized the referees decisions and apparently had a point as the FA had no response.

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Finally, Barnet hosted Torquay and after going 1 – 0 down came back to win the game 2 – 1 thanks to a Torquay own goal as Sam Deerings free-kick rebounded off of the unfortunate defenders back and past his own ‘keeper.

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Board Meeting

I hated the waiting room to the Chairmans office. It stunk of cheap aftershave, the old musky smell hung in the air and surprisingly his overly-attractive PA loved it, and him! That grin was imprinted in my mind, I could have slapped her but that surely would have seen me fired. Kleanthous obviously had a soft spot for her and any abuse to her, no matter how mild would see the guilty party sacked. She felt like Daddy’s Little Girl and abused this, making sure everyone knew she was untouchable and word among the staff is she tried getting one of the coaches sacked for winking at her.

“You can go through now…” She explained as she flung her long blonde locks over her shoulder, forcing a grin on her face.

“Cheers” I nodded and walked through the glass door with the Barnet crest embedded on it.

Kleanthous put down the receiver on his phone and spread out the papers, bad news…

“Congratulations Perry!” he said, excited “We’re still top of the table, despite the two losses”

I nodded in gratitude of his words.

“With the current performances of the club, we look set to at least make the play-offs” He carried on “In no time will more fans flock through the turnstiles of Underhill and we will make even more money, especially if we get promoted.”

His agenda was clear; Barnet F.C was his business, not his club. He cared as much about team performances and squad harmony as much as it generated profits. That’s when I noticed the arc in his eyebrows and his subsequent frown.

“Word from the fans spokespeople is that the fans don’t think the football we’re playing is exciting enough” He began to explain.

“The club is expected to be relegated by the end of the season and we’re currently top!” I interjected. “I couldn’t care how exciting the play is while we’re top of the table!”

“But that doesn’t matter” Kleanthous slammed his fists on the desk “We lost £96K this month! And if exciting football brings the fans back, that’s what I expect you to deliver!”

His face was red, I’d never seen Kleanthous this angry before, apparently he wanted a more lavish lifestyle than he currently has, villas abroad, supercars, expensive dinners. I was enraged, I was on course to do what no-one at Barnet had seen done and I faced resistance by my employer because of the money!

I shot up “I don’t care how much we lost this month” I screamed. “We’re in the top half of the table for the first time in seven years, after 11 games with 21 points out of 33. If you want more money, try investing some more in the club!”

With that I turned on my heel and left for the door, Kleanthous was gobsmacked. No-one had stood up to him like that before without getting the sack, but how could he sack the best manager to step foot through those doors.

“See you next month” his PA said sarcastically and winked, apparently impressed by my bravery.

“I look forward to it”…

When I managed Barnet I found Darren Dennehy to be my most prized asset in Leagues 1 & 2, he was just your average goalscoring centre back, didn't miss a header from a corner for me! Also an absolute brick wall at the back too...