Tom from the Times Series newspaper was kind enough to give us his thoughts ahead of Barnet's League Two campaign following their promotion last term.
The 2014/15 campaign went as planned for Barnet. After the final-day win over Gateshead to seal promotion Martin Allen said it was 'obvious' to him the Bees would win promotion once Lee Cook and Sam Togwell signed prior to the first game of the season. Those two players - and many others - were key to Barnet's return to the Football League. However, I actually put money on the Bees to win the league in July after watching them lose 1-0 against Peterborough United. I felt that with a scratch team including a number of kids and trialists they were the better side. Throw in the Allen factor and I felt that was a winning recipe. So it proved. I dread to think what would have happened if they did not recover from high-profile losses at Lincoln City and Grimsby Town and at home to Gateshead, because to be top for so long and blow it could have been terminal for their play-off chances, had it come down to that. Thankfully it did not and although there were some horribly nervy games as the season ticked down - Eastleigh away, Kidderminster Harriers away and Dartford away just three - it was a thoroughly enjoyable season and brilliant to witness.
HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?
Yes, very. I also cover Leyton Orient from time-to-time so I have seen a reasonable amount of Kevin Lisbie and Shaun Batt, both of whom have joined from the O's this summer. Lisbie is an excellent and direct replacement for skipper Charlie MacDonald, whilst Batt adds real depth to a front line which at times last season consisted of John Akinde only. Gavin Hoyte, Bira Dembele and Michael Nelson have all impressed during pre-season and could very likely form three-quarters of Allen's first-choice defensive configuration. Hoyte in particular has been excellent and although I was a little concerned his arrival would see Andy Yiadom, who excelled last term, pushed out of his comfort zone on the right of midfield, he has been very impressive in friendly action. Tom Champion adds depth, leadership and versatility to the squad and having helped Cambridge United stay up last season, along with 'Admiral' Nelson, he will know exactly what is required at this level. Ben Tomlinson is an exciting gamble. He scored 32 goals from a wide-left position in the 4-3-3 system Lincoln utilised last season and had a field day up at Sincil Bank in the Imps' 4-1 January demolition. If he can take that form into the Football League, Barnet have a match-winner on their hands.
ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?
No. Allen has said since last season he wants to work with a small squad, preferably of 19, and he now has exactly that number after the arrival of former Liverpool and Newport County goalkeeper Jamie Stephens. If re-enforcements are needed then exciting youngsters such as Tamille Roache, Wes Fonguck, Fumnaya Shomotun and Matt Stevens will step up. Or Allen will dip into the loan market.
ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?
I love non-league football so I am pleased to have ticked off the likes of Alfreton Town, Southport and Nuneaton. The players might not feel the same way, though, and I am sure that like me they are relishing the opportunity to go to some of the bigger League Two grounds. Fratton Park will be the one, though. I have not been before; it is a proper ground and the atmosphere always appears excellent on television so I am very much looking forward to that trip to the south coast.
WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?
I have put money on Luton Town going up. They made the leap look easy last season and had it not been for a nightmare run at the end of last season they would surely have been in the League Two play-offs. They have an extremely shrewd and experienced boss in John Still and I think his eminently sensible approach coupled with some of their summer additions - Craig Mackail-Smith being the headline act - they should be in the battle for the top three without question.
WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?
The aforementioned Yiadom was brilliant at right-back last year and my choice in the Player of the Season vote. Had Akinde not netted 33 times in all competitons, I am sure the tireless right-sider would have won the silverware. Now pushed on to a right-wing role, where he began his career, many are concerned the former Watford man won't be able to replicated his form of last season which attracted two offers from League One Barnsley. If his pre-season showings are anything to go by, they need not worry. Yiadom is as fit as a flea, has great stamina, is pacey, very comfortable on the ball and his end product is only improving. An honourable mention to Akinde, too, but it's too easy to point to a man who was so utterly dominant last season. With 49 league goals in his last two seasons in the Conference it is more mature, rounded and lethal Akinde which is returning to the Football League.
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
I have money on Barnet being in the top seven and if last year's success is anything to go by, I think I will be counting my pennies again come May. It is interesting neither Allen or any of the players have laid out a target for this season when I have spoken to them over the summer and pre-season. I think there is a quiet confidence Barnet can do something this season from within, too.
Charlie also gave us his thoughts on what the 2015/16 season holds for Barnet.
HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?
It was unbelievable. Having been top of the league since the August right the way through to the end, and then to be crowned champions in our own back yard was very special.
HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?
Bira Dembele has stood out, he looks like a great player. I was gutted to see David Stephens leave a few weeks ago, but in Dembele I think Martin Allen has found the perfect replacement. Fumnaya Shomuton from the youth team has also been very impressive.
ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?
We lost Luisma, the Spanish wizard, and I now feel we lack creativity to a certain extent. Having said that I fully believe in the players we have on board and I think we'll surprise a few people this season.
ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Leyton Orient away which is tomorrow so I doubt I'll be having much sleep tonight. Portsmouth away, Stevenage home/away, and Luton away are the stand outs.
WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?
Portsmouth. I think they'll win the league. With Paul Cook in charge, the likes of Matt Tubbs and Adam McGurk, the other additions they've made over the summer etc. I just think they're too much of a force.
WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?
I'll keep this one short and simple. Two words. John Akinde.
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
I honestly believe we will challenge for the play-offs. Martin Allen knows this league inside out. The squad we have is just brilliant. Like I said before, I think we will surprise a few people.
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