Barnet fans bracing themselves for another nail-biting campaign

You could forgive many Barnet supporters for praying on a season without the lingering threat of relegation.

For the past three years, the League Two outfit have secured their Football League status on the final day, producing unforeseen results under extreme pressure, condemning others to the drop.

Last season’s monumental final day effort at Burton Albion sparked uproar amongst the Barnet travelling support, who are now immune to the idea of last day survival acts from their side.

Since that frenetic conclusion to the last campaign, the Bees have appointed a new manager and lost the services of several key members of last season’s squad, including club captain and final day hero Mark Hughes.

Even so, many expect the Londoners to once again fight bravely against relegation in the forthcoming campaign, meaning Bees fans may have to endure another season at the wrong end of the League Two table.
  
Pre season began with a 10-2 demolition of non-league counterparts St. Albans City, in which new signing Jon Nurse quickly established himself as one of Barnet’s main goal threats scoring twice in the route.

The Bees then took on a strong Charlton Athletic side at Underhill and were blown away within the first half an hour, as the Addicks quickly asserted their authority racing into a 3-0 lead.

Another pleasing note for boss Mark Robson was the impact of striker Nurse who added to his two goals in the previous game by grabbing a consolation before half time.

Robson takes his side to Blue Square bet South neighbours Boreham Wood on Saturday in another crucial pre season test.

The return to competitive action see’s Barnet travel to Championship outfit Birmingham City in the first round of the Capital One Cup, which for the first time will begin before the league season kicks off.

The new League Two campaign begins with a difficult trip to cash-strapped Port Vale, before home meetings with Bristol Rovers and newly promoted York City complete a testing opening month for the Bees.

However, the final day trip to Northampton Town could yet prove to be the most significant and poignant fixture on the calendar for all Barnet supporters.

Ebbsfleet name stand in honour of loyal boss Liam Daish

Blue Square bet Premier side Ebbsfleet United have shown their gratitude to long-serving manager Liam Daish by announcing they will name a stand at their Stonebridge Road ground in his honour.

The former Republic of Ireland international took over the reins at the Kent club in February 2005, and since has gone on to become the Fleet’s longest serving manager.

Fans will now become familiar with the Liam Daish Stand, acting as the replacement for the previously named Stonebridge Road terrace.

“Liam's record deserves to be honoured,” Fleet chairman Jessica McQueen told the club website.

“Working with small budgets, Liam has produced winning sides, brought outstanding players to the club and produced great youngsters.”

During Daish’s tenure, Ebbsfleet have won promotion to the Blue Square Premier via the playoffs, and four years ago the Fleet became the first team in Kent to lift the FA Trophy.

McQueen added: “A lot of people will think that winning the FA Trophy with the Fleet at Wembley in 2008 has been Liam's biggest achievement with the club, but our fans know that is just one of the highlights of his tenure.”

The former Birmingham City and Coventry defender has extended his stay at Stonebridge Road by signing a new two-year deal.

McQueen believes that with Daish still in charge, Ebbsfleet can continue to progress in the right direction.

She concluded:  “He has just signed a two-year contract to demonstrate his commitment to the club and that alone will help us attract quality players and be able to build for the future.”

Blue Square bet Premier preview

With less than a month until the new Blue Square Bet Premier campaign kicks off, Macclesfield Town and Luton Town are among the promotion favourites.

We look at who is in the race for promotion to the Football League and who is facing a difficult task in their bid to stay in the top tier of non-league football.

AFC Telford
Boss Andy Sinton has admitted that he must strengthen his squad during the summer in order to avoid the peril of relegation. The recent acquisition of striker Jake Reid from league counterparts Newport County will certainly give the Bucks a must needed goal threat. Telford narrowly escaped the drop last season and must pick up more points on their travels if they are to survive this time around. 

Predicted finish: 18th

Alfreton Town
The Reds endured an excellent debut season in the Blue Square Premier last year finishing well clear of the relegation places. Manager Nicky Law has bolstered his squad, bringing in the likes of former Nottingham Forest midfielder Danny Meadows on a permanent deal following his successful loan spell during the last campaign. Coaching staff at the Impact Arena believe Alfreton are better prepared for their second season in the top flight and therefore may improve on last season’s efforts.

Predicted finish: 13th

Barrow
After briefly threatening the playoff places last year, the Bluebirds’ season ended on a rather disappointing note. Although a mid-table finish would have been more than acceptable considering Barrow had survived on the final day in each of the previous two campaigns. The loss of striker Andy Cook to Grimsby may prove costly as Dave Bayliss’ side set about improving on last year. To replace Cook, Bayliss has drafted in Obi Anorou from Wrexham, the striker enjoyed a promising loan spell at Vauxhall Motors last season and Barrow fans will be hoping he can have a similar impact at Holker Street.

Predicted finish: 16th

Braintree Town
Following promotion from the Blue Square South two seasons ago, The Iron enjoyed a terrific first campaign in the Blue Square Premier under the guidance of Alan Devonshire. The Braintree boss has added to his squad drafting in four new players, most notably Callum McNish from League One outfit Exeter City. The Essex-based club may struggle to improve on last season’s top half finish, but have more than enough about them to avoid being sucked into the relegation scrap.

Predicted finish: 15th

Cambridge United
Manager Jez George is hoping that the U’s, bolstered by the return of Robbie Willmott from Luton Town, can sneak into the playoff places. A lack of consistency mainly during the latter stages of last season, cost George’s side a shot at promotion, but this time around Cambridge are in a far better position to challenge. Alongside Willmott, the U’s have also drafted in Adrian Moke from last year’s playoff winners York City. A tough trip to Forest Green Rovers on the opening day will certainly test Cambridge’s promotion credentials. Despite the new arrivals, the U’s may struggle to mix it with the bigger names during the course of next season and subsequently may just miss out on the playoffs.

Predicted finish: 7th

Dartford
Achieving two promotions in the space of three seasons, it would be hard to completely right off Dartford’s chances of avoiding an immediate return to the Blue Square South. Tony Burman has had to deal with lingering transfer speculation, mainly regarding his captain Elliot Bradbrook, but with the midfielder agreeing a new deal last month the Darts may have enough about them to extend their stay in the Blue Square Premier beyond one season. The Dartford boss has openly admitted that he is looking to strengthen his squad and has a couple of targets in mind. One key part of the Kent-based club’s success of last year was their home form and once more this could be a pivotal factor in determining whether the Darts remain in the top flight.

Predicted finish: 22nd

Ebbsfleet United
Liam Daish has admitted that he is struggling to attract new players to Stonebridge Road in spite of the Fleet’s trouble free first season back in the Blue Square Premier. The mid table finish was greeted with optimism by many Ebbsfleet supporters, but improving on last year’s standings could prove to be a tall order. The Kent club lost the services of midfielder Michael West who joined newly promoted Crewe Alexandra earlier this week, but have drafted in striker Nathan Elder to boost their attacking options. Further transfer activity is expected before an opening day meeting with Nuneaton Town.


Predicted finish: 20th

Forest Green Rovers
Tipped to struggle before the start of last season, The New Lawn based club exceeded all expectations finishing in the top 10. Manager Dave Hockaday has recruited Paul Green from Tamworth and Ed Asafu-Adjaye from Luton to strengthen his defence despite his side boasting a better defensive record than champions Fleetwood Town during the course of last season. Embarking on a 16th consecutive campaign at this level, Rovers should sit comfortably in mid table for the majority of the season.

Predicted finish: 12th

Gateshead
Manager Jim Bogie has expressed his desire to lead Gateshead into the playoffs in the forthcoming campaign. The Tynesiders were in contention for a playoff spot for much of the season but ultimately came up short to the disappointment of Bogie. The Tyne and Wear club have been one of the busiest during the off season drafting in a number of new additions to match Bogie’s ambitions. Glenn Wilson, Chris Bush, Adam Bartlett and James Brown have all signed deals at the Gateshead International Stadium. With an ambitious manager and players matching that ambition, Gateshead may well sneak into the end of season playoffs.

Predicted finish: 6th

Grimsby Town
Joint managers Rob Scott and Paul Hurst have followed up their plea at the end of last season, in which they commented on how the club would attract players with a winning mentality, by bringing in several new faces at Blundell Park. Andy Cook, Joe Colbeck, Sam Hatton, Aswad Thomas and Greg Pearson have all joined the Mariners in anticipation of a promotion challenge. Grimsby finished somewhat of the pace during last season, their eventual 11th placed finish not acceptable to many supporters. The massive overhaul could be greeted with a run at promotion in the forthcoming campaign, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Mariners can compete at the top of the table.

Predicted finish: 8th

Hereford United
Relegated out of the football league last season, Hereford will be hoping to make an instant return. New boss Martin Foyle has made a couple of new signings in the shape of James Bittner and Luke Graham but insists his squad is far from being ready for the opening day meeting with Macclesfield Town. The return of striker Sean Canham, who had an excellent season in front of goal for Bath City last year, will give the Bulls a much needed goal threat. The expectation of being one of the title favourites may hamper Hereford’s chances of promotion but they will more than likely be up challenging near the top.

Predicted finish: 3rd

Hyde
Claiming the Blue Square bet North title last year in a very competitive division, Scott McNiven’s side embark on a first season in highest tier of non-league football. The Tigers have recruited experienced forward Phil Jevons following his release from Morecambe alongside Adam Griffin, David Poole and Josh Brizell. The Manchester based club have managed to retain the majority of last season’s squad, but face a difficult task in competing with the bigger names in the division. Once again home form could prove vital in keeping Hyde in the Blue Square Premier for more than a solitary season.

Predicted finish: 21st

Kidderminster Harriers
Steve Burr’s side narrowly missed out on a playoff spot last season, but the eventual 6th place finish was deemed as progress in the right direction for the Aggborough club. Burr has brought in several new faces including former Ebbsfleet midfielder Ricky Shakes and Ryan Austin who joins following his release from Burton Albion. It’s been seven years since the Harriers dropped out of the football league, in a competitive division Kidderminster may struggle to match their achievements of last year.

Predicted finish: 9th

Lincoln City
Last season was a season to forget for the Lincolnshire club, tipped to make an instant return to League Two, the Imps were off the pace for much of the campaign and slumped to a 17th place finish. David Holdsworth was installed as manager towards the end of last year and successfully guided Lincoln away from the relegation places. Lack of spending power may prevent the Imps from troubling the promotion spots, but under Holdsworth’s leadership Lincoln should improve on last season’s efforts.

Predicted finish: 10th

Luton Town
The Hatters missed out on a return to the football league suffering heartache in the Blue Square Premier playoff final. Manager Paul Buckle has the experience of guiding a club back into League Two, leading Torquay to playoff success in 2009. The Luton boss has added to his squad, drafting in Brighton midfielder Yaser Kasim on a six-month loan deal and securing the services of Lathaniel Rowe-Turner to bolster his defensive ranks. The Kenilworth Road club certainly have the credentials to make a return to the football league after a four year absence, but will need to improve on last year’s inconsistencies to mount a serious title challenge.

Predicted finish: 2nd

Macclesfield Town
The Silkmen’s run of 15 consecutive seasons in the football league came to end when they were relegated alongside Hereford. New manager Steve King is determined to lead the Moss Rose club back into the league at the first attempt and has set about improving the Macclesfield squad ahead of a first day meeting with the Bulls at Edgar Street. King has admitted that losing the services of midfielder Ross Draper is a big blow, but has reacted by bringing in several new faces. Most notably, Kieran Murtagh joins from Cambridge United and Matthew Barnes-Homer arrives after a brief spell plying his trade in Sweden. King still believes he needs to acquire another central defender and a striker before the big kick off on August 10. Backed by a large travelling support and the introduction of new players, the Silkmen could be set for an instant return to the football league.

Predicted finish: 1st

Mansfield Town
Paul Cox led the Stags into the playoffs last season only to come up short against eventual winners York City in the semi final. The recapture of striker Jake Speight from promotion rivals Wrexham will give Mansfield an obvious goal threat. Cox has also drafted in experienced defender John Dempster and midfielder Jamie Hand to bolster his squad, whilst retaining the majority of last season’s side. Having a big squad could prove pivotal as Mansfield could once more be set to extend their beyond April and have another crack at the playoffs.

Predicted finish: 4th

Newport County
One of the surprise packages from last season, Newport comfortably survived an immediate return to the Blue Square South. Manager Justin Edinburgh is keen to strengthen his squad with attacking options the main focus, after the Exiles finished the last campaign as the lowest scorers in the division. The Newport boss has already brought in Danny Crow and Ryan Charles to give his side a potent goal threat and is looking at others areas of improvement as the Exiles look to progress on last season’s efforts. Recording just three away wins during the last campaign, Newport need to pick up more points on their travels if they are going to avoid being dragged into the relegation scrap.

Predicted finish: 19th

Nuneaton Town
Last year’s Blue Square North playoff final success granted Nuneaton their first season in the Blue Square Premier since their reformation in 2008. Manager Kevin Wilkin has made major changes to his side bringing in eight players during pre season, the latest arrival is Tom James who was released from Championship outfit Watford at the end of the last campaign. Unfortunately, club captain Mark Noon faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious injury during pre season. The relegation candidates face a difficult task remaining in the highest tier of non-league football, but will certainly not be fazed by the step up to the Blue Square Premier.

Predicted finish: 24th

Southport
Manager Liam Watson guided the Sandgrounders to their highest league finish for 10 years with a 7th place finish, narrowly missing out on the playoffs. The Southport boss is hoping he can lead his side into the playoffs this term and has added to his squad accordingly. Watson has brought in highly rated forward Chris Almond and midfielder Aaron Chalmers, but has had to contend with the controversial departure of defender Andy Owens who opted to link up with Paul Cox at Mansfield Town. However, retaining the majority of his squad from last season, Watson’s side may have an outside chance of clinching a playoff place.


Predicted finish: 11th


Stockport County
After briefly flirting with the relegation places, Jim Gannon led the Hatters into the safety of mid table during the course of last season. Fans of the Edgeley Park club will be expecting improvement on last term’s first campaign out of the football league for 106 years. The Stockport boss has confirmed that James Tunnicliffe will return to the club after spells at Brighton and Wycombe to add to his defensive ranks, whilst fellow new arrival Tom Collins will provide threat at the other end of the pitch following his arrival from Hayes & Yeading. Since his return to the club just before Christmas, Stockport have only lost twice at home under Gannon’s leadership. A top half finish will be the minimum requirement in a very competitive division.

Predicted finish: 14th

Tamworth
Finishing just above the relegation places last season, the Lambs’ end of season form almost cost them their place in the top flight. Recording just one win in 14 matches, manager Marcus Law expressed his displeasure at how Tamworth’s campaign had gone rapidly downhill so quickly. In reaction, the Lambs boss has brought in seven new players including former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie. Despite the massive overhaul, Law admits he is still looking into the possibility of adding to his squad in time for an opening day trip to newly promoted Dartford. Picking up just 15 points on their travels last term, Tamworth need to improve away from home to have any chance of survival.

Predicted finish: 23rd

Woking
The last of the newly promoted clubs, Woking raced to the Blue Square bet South title last term to reclaim their place in the highest tier of non league football. Manager Garry Hill is prepared to add to his title winning squad and has already drafted in Welling United duo Loick Pires and Jack Parkinson. The Cardinals boss has also revealed that defender Brett Johnson will join the club at the start of August completing his switch from AFC Wimbledon. Woking face a difficult opening day trip to Wrexham but have the sufficient firepower and resources to survive in the Blue Square Premier.

Predicted finish: 17th

Wrexham
Accumulating 98 points would normally be more than enough to see you earn promotion back into the football league. However, in Wrexham’s case, the remarkable feats of Fleetwood Town left Andy Morrell’s side battling in the end of season playoffs. The Dragons were eventually beaten by Luton in the semi final and were left pondering another season in non-league football. During pre season, Morrell lost the services of two of his main goal threats from the last campaign. Mathias Pogba left to join Crewe Alexandra and Jake Speight decided to join Mansfield Town to further infuriate the Wrexham boss. Since those departures, Morrell has acquired the services of veteran forward Brett Ormerod and young defender Martin Riley. Improving upon last year may prove to be difficult and subsequently, the Dragons may struggle to stay in the title hunt.

Predicted finish: 5th

Bromley impress in pre season

Blue Square bet South side Bromley FC cruised to a first pre season victory of the new calendar year with an emphatic 5-1 win at Kent Premier Division outfit Beckenham Town.

On a magnificent Eden Park surface, voted the best in the Kent Division for the last two seasons, the Lilywhites gained control inside 10 minutes, with forward Gareth Williams slotting past Nicky Blue.

From that moment on the visitors began to show their superiority, against a team ranked two steps below them on the football pyramid, Aaron Rhule doubled the lead heading in Tony Finn’s cross before half time.

Mark Goldberg’s side continued the onslaught after the break, the returning Warren McBean scored twice and Pierre Joseph Dubois completed the route to end a very productive evening for the Kent-based club.

Saturday’s impressive display against football league counterparts Crawley Town had given many Bromley supporters ample opportunity to feel positive going into the new season, the manner in which the Lilywhites swept aside Kent neighbours Beckenham, will only add to the optimism.

Maidstone mark official Kent return

After an absence of 24 years, and continuous ground share with fellow Kent neighbours Sittingbourne and Dartford, Maidstone United have finally unveiled their new stadium.

To mark the opening of the new Gallagher Stadium, the Ryman Division One South side welcomed Championship outfit Brighton & Hove Albion to their new home in a pre season friendly with over 2000 fans there to witness an historic day for the Kent-based club.

Brighton, six divisions above the Stones on the football pyramid, showed their class on the new playing surface, which manager Gus Poyet described as “magnificent.”

The Seagulls dispatched Maidstone 5-0 with striker Ashley Barnes grabbing a second half hat trick, on a day which will live long in the memory for many supporters of the Ryman League club.

Maidstone boss Jay Saunders was quick to praise Poyet’s promotion chasing side but insisted that the score line would not overshadow the work done behind the scenes in ensuring the Stones’ homecoming.

Saunders spoke to the club’s website: “It has been a great day for everyone involved and they should feel privileged to have been part of it.”

He continued: “I wasn’t going to judge my team on the performance because you’re playing a side with million pound players and a team that’s going to be pushing for the Premier League.”

The Stones have been without a home ground since 1988 and four years later, submerged in financial problems, they dropped out of the football league and were eventually reinstated deep within the realms of non-league football.  

From a personal point of view, Saunders admits to feeling a great deal of fortune in being able to lead Maidstone back into the heart of the town.

He added: “Having been to watch Maidstone in the past, being able to lead the team out back in Maidstone after that time is a big occasion for me.”

The Stones welcome another football league side in the shape of Dagenham & Redbridge to the Gallagher Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Saunders is anticipating an equally difficult game but feels his side can give the Daggers more of a test.

He concluded: “Hopefully we will see a bit more of the ball against Dagenham, that’s no disrespect to them they’re going to be a very good side, but hopefully we can give it a bit more of a go.”

Smith seals permanent Dons switch

MK Dons boss Karl Robinson has completed the signing of his “number one summer target,” by persuading Alan Smith to join the League One outfit on a two-year deal.

Smith, the former Leeds and Manchester United midfielder, spent the second half of last season on loan from Newcastle and made 18 appearances, including both legs of the playoff semi-final defeat to eventual winners Huddersfield Town.

The 31-year-old originally joined the League One promotion contenders in January, citing his admiration for the style of football introduced by Robinson.

Terms have been agreed with the free agent after he was released by Newcastle at the end of last season.
The former England international was present as the Dons returned to pre-season training at the start of this week.

Smith’s arrival will certainly enhance the club's chances of gaining promotion from League One for the first time, since their reformation from the old Wimbledon name in 2004.

Can Allen bring the required success to the Gills?

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally’s decision to part company with Andy Hessenthaler at the end of last season reaffirmed the League Two outfits intentions of making a swift return to League One.

The former Gills boss was given two full seasons in charge at the Priestfield Stadium but failed in his attempts to win promotion back into the third tier.

As a result Hessenthaler was removed as manager and was given a new role as director of football.

Scally remained patient in appointing a successor but finally announced that former Barnet, MK Dons and Notts County boss Martin Allen would take charge, with the sole target of achieving what Hessenthaler had failed to achieve.

Allen is expected to be given a similar contract length, a two-year deal which is likely to extend if he can guide Gillingham to promotion.

The 46-year old, former QPR and West Ham midfielder, is now in his seventh job in his nine years in football management, his most recent came at the end of the last campaign in which he lead League Two counterparts Barnet to safety on the final day.

Despite holding a decent managerial record, in which he has won more games than he has lost, Allen has yet to lead a team to promotion, but with Scally’s demand for instant success, a first one could be just round the corner.

Darts face Tamworth on opening day

Dartford’s return to the Blue Square bet Premier will begin with a home meeting against Tamworth on August 11.

Tony Burman’s side began their Blue Square South play-off winning campaign of last season with an away match against Weston-Super-Mare, but had the second best home record in the division.

Fans of the Kent-based club will be hoping their side can produce similar results at Princes Park this time around starting with the visit of the Lambs on the opening day.

Meanwhile Woking, who clinched the Blue Square South title finishing nine points clear of the Darts, start with arguably the toughest trip on the calendar heading to the Racecourse ground to face Wrexham, who narrowly missed out on a return to the Football league.

In contrast, the Cards had the best away record in the South division last term, but the trip to Wales will be a daunting task for Garry Hill’s men.

Possibly the best match on opening day will be found at Edgar Street with both relegated club’s Hereford United and Macclesfield Town squaring off.

The Silkmen won convincingly on their last visit to Hereford and new boss Steve King will be hoping his side can take all three points again this term and get off to the best possible start.

Blue Square bet Premier opening day fixtures:


Barrow V Telford
Braintree V Hyde
Dartford V Tamworth
Forest Green V Cambridge
Hereford V Macclesfield
Lincoln City V Kidderminster
Luton V Gateshead
Mansfield V Newport
Nuneaton V Ebbsfleet
Southport V Grimsby
Stockport V Alfreton
Wrexham V Woking

Daish struggling to attract new players

Blue Square bet Premier side Ebbsfleet United may have comfortably avoided relegation last season, but manager Liam Daish has admitted that he is finding it hard to strengthen his depleted squad.

The Fleet finished 13 points clear of trouble on their return to the highest tier of non-league football, but have already lost the services of Ricky Shakes, who signed for fellow Blue Square Premier side Kidderminster this week, and striker Liam Enver-Marum currently on trail with League One outfit Stevenage.

Daish has been unable to replace the duo and believes the improvements being made by other Kent-based clubs, is making it harder to attract new players to Stonebridge Road.

Speaking to BBC Radio Kent Daish said: “I've had targets, It's another thing trying to get them to sign for you. It's getting tough and it's quite competitive in this area now with Dartford and Dover making a push.”

Alongside the departure of Enver-Marum, the Ebbsfleet boss has had to contend with the loss of last season’s top scorer Callum Willock, who joined Nicky Forster at Blue Square South promotion chasers Dover.

The Stonebridge Road side took the decision to remain a part-time club following their promotion into the Blue Square Premier two seasons ago.

Daish acknowledges that interest from full-time clubs is inevitable and difficult for the player in question to turn down, the former Republic of Ireland international believes the transfer of Guyanan international Shakes highlights the main issues that part-time clubs have to deal with.

He continued: “Us being part-time, he [Shakes] was having to do something in between games, which didn't quite suit him.  I respect their decisions even though I was a bit frustrated.”

Despite losing the services of key players, Daish is still confident that he can build on last season’s efforts.

He added: “I've lost key players that are going to be difficult to replace but we'll make every effort to at least emulate what we did last year.”