Bees turn to the experience of Stimson
Today we continue our look at the teams the Silkmen will face in npower League Two action when the season gets underway in less than a month's time.
And under the spotlight today are Barnet, who after a great start to the last campaign slipped away badly, to the point that they only secured their Football League status on a nerve racking final day of the season in May.
Hendon sacked as Bees good start proves a false dawn
Despite defeat in their opening game of last season at Lincoln, the Bees picked up a draw and four wins from their next five games. The last of those, away at much fancied Northampton, saw the North London side proudly atop of the League Two campaign.
It proved a false dawn however and just eight more wins were to follow, including the vital 1-0 victory over Rochdale on the last day of the season to secure their League status. By this time however boss Ian Hendon had been sacked, with Paul Fairclough taking temporary charge for the last two games.
Stimson looks to steady ship
After a lengthy search for a new boss, the experienced Mark Stimson was installed as the manager at Underhill. The former Gillingham manager set about reshaping his squad but was unable to hang onto the services of star man Albert Adomah.
The out of contract winger, who had scored twenty goals in 120 games for the Bees, signed for Bristol City on a three year deal despite a last minute effort to secure his continued service.
Other players released from the club include the experienced Paul Furlong, former Silkmen Ahmed Deen after just one season in North London, skipper Micah Hyde and defender Ismail Yakubu.
New Boys
Stimson moved quickly to strengthen the squad following his appointment in late May. Early arrivals included Ricky Holmes and midfielders Glen Southam and Glenn Poole.
Free agent Holmes, 22, was the 21-goal top scorer for Blue Square South side Chelmsford City last season. Attacking midfielder Southam, 29, joins the Bees after leaving Histon. Left-sided Poole, 29, who was top scorer as Brentford won promotion from League Two in 2007, arrives after being released by AFC Wimbledon.
Anwar Uddin, Sam Cox and Danny Kelly have also since joined the Bees. Defender Uddin, 28, arrives from Dagenham & Redbridge after helping them win promotion both out of the Conference and into League One. Cox, 19, can play at full-back or as a holding midfielder and joins after coming through the ranks at Tottenham. Striker Kelly, 19, is captain of the Republic of Ireland Under-19s side and has signed after leaving Norwich.
England C midfielder Rossi Jarvis became the seventh summer signing last week, the 22-year-old having been released by Luton Town in May.
Fans' Eye View
"We don't really know what to expect this season to be honest. But Mark Stimson seems a good appointment and achieved promotion with Gillingham a few years back so you never know. He's not got loads of money to spend but the new signings seem to have the potential. Either way we needed a bit of a clear out so let's just see how it goes."
Lisa, New Barnet
Latest odds at Corals
To win league - 66/1
To get promoted - 20/1
First Three League Games
Barnet will be the first opponents at the new Chesterfield Stadium
Aug 7 - Chesterfield (a)
Aug 14 - Burton Albion (h)
Aug 21 - Crewe Alexandra (a)
Carling Cup Opponents
Swansea City (a)
