Barnet were promoted to EFL League Two as Champions of the National League last season. Now, survival, consolidation and maybe even the play-offs could be on the list of aims for the new season.
Ahead of the Bees’ opening game against Fleetwood Town on the second of August, I sat down with Barnet fan Aryan Jolly (@Aryan041104 On X) to talk all things Barnet in a Barnet interview.
Before we start, I would like to take a moment to thank Aryan for taking part in the Barnet interview. His responses aim to give you a insightful view of Barnet FC currently.
The Barnet Interview
Question 1: Barnet Won The National League Last Season. How Would You Summarize The Season?
“It was pretty surreal in many ways. In my first few years coming to the Hive we got thrashed 4,5,6-0 almost regularly, yet we completely dominated last season. It had certainly been coming, we’d shown some really good signs in previous seasons and fallen short in the lottery that was the playoffs.
Dean Brennan was as cutthroat as ever in terms of recruitment and assembled a squad with an elite mentality and more than enough skill to back it up.
Also, investing our sell-on clause money from the likes of Jack Taylor, Ronnie Edwards and Ephron Mason-Clark in areas other than the playing staff really paid off.
The new pitch allowed us to play our possession-based game even on the rainiest of winter days and the extra medical staff helped us to keep the likes of Nik Tavares fit.”
Question 2: What Was Your Favourite Moment Of Last Season?
“It’s so hard to pick one moment.
If the entirety of the 3-1 win against York counts as a moment, that was unbelievable. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Barnet team play so well and we completely outclassed a high-quality opponent despite having a couple of injury issues of our own, including having to play a goalkeeper who only met his teammates when they came out for the warmup.
Another would be Rhys Browne’s late winner against Altrincham. The goal came from a Jordan Cropper long throw and led to THAT Dean Brennan interview after the game.
Lee Ndlovu’s late winner against D&R deserves a mention as well. It was a bit of a nothing game in terms of chances created, but the big striker managed to get us a goal out of pretty much nothing.”
Question 3: What Would You Rate Barnet’s Transfer Window Out Of 10?
“I always find it really hard to rate our windows because our wage structure means that we simply can’t sign “marquee players” that some would say we need for a 10/10 window. I’d probably go for an 9/10 though. We still need a backup goalkeeper, but have added really well in pretty much every other position.”
Question 4: Who Has Been Barnet’s Best Signing Of The Summer So Far?
“If he counts, it has to be Owen Evans. He completely revolutionised our style of play last season and to get him back on a permanent basis is key. In terms of the completely new players, I’m really excited to see Dennis Adeneran.
He has great pedigree and, if he can stay fit, has the potential to be a star player for us next campaign. I think Adam Senior will be a great signing in the long run as well.”
Question 5: What Is One Area Of The Squad That Needs Improving And Why?
“As I have previously mentioned, we need a backup goalkeeper. It’s more important than ever as you actually have to register a squad in League Two, whereas we were pretty much free to sign players whenever we wanted in the National League.
We had a trialist in goal for our latest preseason game against Wycombe Wanderers and he really impressed. Hopefully he gets signed up.”
Question 6: Do You Think Barnet Are Prepared For Next Season?
“I think that we’re as prepared as we can be at the moment. A lot of the squad and the management team have little/no EFL experience, but there are some things that you can only learn on the fly.”
Question 7: Can Dean Brennan Succeed As Barnet Manager Next Season?
“Yes. He has been able to mould and evolve this squad exactly as he would like to and he has proven himself to be a very good coach in non-league, hence why EFL sides have tried to get him in the past. League Two will be a slightly different challenge to what he has previously faced, but there is no reason why he could not thrive once again.”
Question 8: What Do You Think Of The Club Currently?
“It’s in a better position than I have ever known it to be. We seem well-placed to establish ourselves in the EFL and are definitely stronger than when we have previously gone up (though it has only happened one other time in my lifetime).
Dean Brennan has really created a sense of togetherness between the club, the fanbase and, most importantly, the chairman, who admitted that he was falling out of love with the club before the Irish man took over.”
Question 9: Who Is Barnet’s Best Player Currently?
“Wow that’s a hard question. Our squad isn’t like if was in 2015 when we had one player, Akinde, who was clearly above the rest.
Nik Tavares is an absolute Rolls Royce of a defender. The rest of the squad call him ‘Nik the brick’ for a reason, he virtually never loses a duel, something so key in Brennan’s system as defenders are often left one vs one.
Ryan Glover is an amazing player and was my vote for player of the season last year. He’s versatile, Athletic, technically excellent, has good end product and he never gets injured. What more could you ask for.
Callum Stead is also an absolute gem. He has grown massively throughout his two years at the club and I believe he finished last campaign as our top goal-scorer. He has an excellent work rate, is a good dribbler and a lethal finisher.”
Question 10: Can You Give Me Your Prediction For How Barnet Will Do Next Season?
“National League teams have not just survived, but they have thrived in League Two recently and I think that we will be there or thereabouts.
Bromley, who I think we were a better side than two seasons ago, finished 11th last year, so I think we should be in the top 10.
The fan in me believes that we can grab a playoff space; the pundit in me thinks we’ll fall just short and end up in 8th, which would still be a good achievement.”
Thank you for reading the Barnet Interview with Aryan Jolly. If you have feedback on the Barnet Interview, comment it below.
