With pre-season underway I thought it was time to take a look at the Bees summer signings and what we’re still looking at before the season kicks off on 5th August.
This time last year a whole host of players arrived at The Hive and fair to say some weren’t convinced at those coming in, back at the time one of the points I picked out was the ability in nearly all they picked up to play over 30 games in a season, well many went close to 50 as it went but hopefully this time around the newcomers will be sharing the load.
We learnt during the season how Dean Brennan and his staff shortlist players, already there for footballing ability there is a big emphasis on the person they are off the field around other players and within their personal lives.
Having finished in the play off positions after an 18th place finish the season prior has made Barnet a far more attractive option and with it comes a different type of player offered by agents, so you start to improve year on year which is of course the aim.
Persuading existing players to sign longer contracts also makes you look appealing; players will look to see that the club looks after and rewards those who have done well and no surprise to see both Harry Pritchard and Laurie Walker sign new deals.
This summer was all about getting the right strength in depth, that was never going to be done last summer, a strong starting XI was the target and achieved. Moving out those who weren’t good enough or interested enough was always going to be a 2023-24 effort so who has come in and are they providing the extra we need?
First in was Adebola Oluwo, a tall centre half from National League South Chelmsford City. What we saw last year from rival supporters those we signed in most cases were ‘good riddance’, this time around a much different story.
City fans were sad to see Oluwo leave but understood the move to full time football for the young defender and at an age when he should be hungry for the move up the ladder. Despite many saying Jerome Okimo isn’t getting any younger age has nothing to do with it if performances are strong, however one eye on the future with Okimo’s coaching commitments and a chance for Oluwo to grow into his position.
Next up before May had ended was winger Sam Barratt from Maidenhead Utd. A player who secured a move to Southend Utd when they were an EFL side but suffered injury which set him backwards towards non-league. Now with the opportunity to go full time again a chance to shine and compete with Idris Kanu and Courtney Senior for a starting berth, more options than we had this time last year in that position.
With both Sam Woods and Michael Phillips moving on in early June, more space and wages for incomers and upgrades on both players. The next player in however was a defender, left back Ben Coker. Full of experience from the EFL, Coker brings competition for Sam Beard and should see a relaxation of Okimo featuring at full back, it should also push Beard’s game on as well to the level we know he can compete at.
Whilst hungry young players you hope take the opportunity given to them blend with that some experienced players who still feel they can offer plenty and show why they shouldn’t have been released and you’re onto a good thing.
On the same day the arrival of Callum Stead from National League North Brackley Town is another given the chance to step up. After a stand out season last year with some impressive stats in and around the opposition penalty area he’s going to be a pest for a lot of National League defenders. He knows where the net is as well, not that we had problems scoring goals last year.
Just as crucial the arrival of Craig Holloway as goalkeeping coach a day later, a gap finally filled and one that is as important as any for our keepers, good non-league pedigree too.
Losing Ryan De Havilland was expected, can’t say he hasn’t deserved his chance. Plenty will point to the last few games of the season where he disappeared in games, there were times where I thought he had off-colour games during the year only to find out he had carried out game instructions the gaffer had asked him to.
It had meant we didn’t see his game, but the game Dean wanted him to play, that’s a maturity for me. What I also want to point out is last year was his first full season in men’s football, none of this academy tippy-tappy stuff. Bar being named on the substitutes bench at Gateshead for the FA Trophy semi-final which ended up with 45 minutes action, he played every Saturday, Tuesday from the end of January including our only week off when England C played.
That’s a lot of football, yes I know a few played the same bar the C game but experienced pro’s at doing it, credit to him in my opinion. And the perfect player in this respect, he came in for nothing, learned, listened, improved and departed for a fee, there are one or two others who could take a note out of his book. I hope he kicks on at Peterborough, age on his side, ability still to improve on, good luck RDH!
Anyway, back to us! So, a replacement needed, well two needed in the end after Connor Smith moved up to Assistant Manager after John Dreyer’s departure to Burton Albion.
Great move for Tumble, excellent bloke to know, great opportunity for Connor, experience lost maybe but experience aplenty within his brain, certainly had plenty to do with the next player to be mentioned coming in as well. Few of you will say ‘well he didn’t play much last year’. I’m well aware of that, I’m also aware he came back to pre-season fit, lower body fat rating and had a role so he would have been playing this year, now there is room for one more.
And so to yesterday, a double signing and two names that make people sit up and take notice again. Last year it was the Ben Wynter signing that got people talking, this year’s award winner is Zak Brunt.
An attacking midfielder to replace RDH, but too very different players. Zak I expect to be asked to control and dictate games, goals are what he needs to bring more of and I expect that to happen. He had offers above us no doubt, he wanted to come here, they made him feel he wanted to come here and not elsewhere, massive asset.
Reece Hall-Johnson, incoming from the champions. Cousin of Rob Hall, I believe there was some interest last season when Wrexham signed a right back or two but nothing came of it and Jordan Cropper arrived instead. Another competent player here, wing back or full back, more options and Wynter’s competition too, less of us trying to play someone else out of position.
Is that it? Not yet, still except a backup keeper to arrive, and before you ask why are we wasting wages instead of just using the loan market, think about what you’ve read above. Every player has competition for their place this year, we know Nicke Kabamba is a good striker, we know Harry Pritchard is a top midfielder, they have rivals for their place, why should Laurie be any different? We know he’s good, push him further, it’s easy otherwise.
At least one more midfielder, maybe one more striker, still plenty of time left, still plenty of players available, interesting weeks to come, now where did I put that new fixture list…….
I think the best thing apart from the signings which are exciting is we have a long term plan for the future and this is no more than pieces in the plan which can only bode well for all of us. I have no doubt DB and others at the club are already looking at the season after this one already. We must not forget either the role and backing of TK in all of this. Come on you Bees.