We ask Barnet Unofficial site editor Iain Dalziel to give us an insight into Barnet's season so far, aswell as that awful sending off at Old Trafford a couple of weeks back.

How is your season going so far?


Well, I think like most Barnet fans, first and foremost I’m glad to see Barnet back playing at this level again, after four years in the Conference. However, things haven’t gone as smoothly as they could have done so far. We started this season fantastically and sat top after four games. However, between 20th August and 29th October we didn’t record any League wins, eleven games. Luckily in our last League match we beat Rushden & Diamonds 2-1. Hopefully we can push on from that and get our selves further up the league table.


Which players have been on top form, and which are playing rather poorly?

The Barnet player who has probably made the step-up to the League look the easiest is our young attacking midfielder Nicky Bailey. He has really caught the eye, with some outstanding displays, chipping in with a few goals along the way too. Ross Flitney, Old Trafford aside, has had a terrific start to his Barnet career following his summer move and last weekend made some breathtaking saves in our cup game with Southend. Other players certainly to be wary of are Grazioli up front and Sinclair in midfield. Both very useful player and Grazioli has been prolific in his two and a half years at the club. There are a few players maybe who could be playing better, but I want say any names. I have faith in all the players at the club at the moment.


Did the United fixture (even though it was against the Under 19's) do anything for the players, or did they come out of it with nothing?

Well, I would imagine so. For most of them it will have been a great experience, minus Flitney and then Soares who was subbed so we could bring on our other keeper in the 2nd minute. Sinclair scoring will have boosted his confidence and I think the good displays from some of our other players will have been a good thing too.


I'll have you know that you had the vast majority of County fan's cheering for you against United as we hate them (who doesn't), I was certainly screaming at the telly when Ross Flitney got sent off!

I think any football fan would have felt for Ross. Most of the United fans weren’t happy with the decision either, it spoiled the game. A little bit of initiative from the ref would’ve kept it a contest, for a while at least. It’s in the past now though and Flitney has said its made him more determined than ever to succeed, so who knows, it could benefit him long time. I believe he will get another chance on the big stage, we got him on a free from Fulham, I think they may end up regretting letting him go.


You got promoted last season, so you were obviously a top team in the Conference. Where you on telly many times last year?

Despite being a league lower, the Conference has about twice as many live games shown each year, when compared to League 2. This is because it is separate from the Football League. We were on the box against Dagenham (won 5-0) and also against Stevenage at New Year (won 2-1) both were home games. We’ve probably been on Sky about eight times in the last few seasons, about twice a season during our spell in Non-League, so it is not something new to our players.


Do you think that with the Sky camera's being at Edgeley Park and the nation watching that it may have an effect on some of your players?

I shouldn’t think so, no. As mentioned, last season we were on twice and won both, so I don’t think it had much of an effect, if anything a positive one. Though it wasn’t live, we had the media swarming around our players for the Man U game and they seemed to deal with that well. In fact, our record on Sky is pretty impressive. Out of our last seven times (that I can remember us being on) when they’ve showed us, we’ve lost once-Shrewsbury in the play-offs. So, no, if anything I think it may inspire our players.


We have drawn Hereford in the FA Cup, did you beat them last season? Can you give us any helpful tips to get past them and get some revenge on Man United for you?!

Of all the teams! Hereford are our ultimate bogey side and Barnet have NEVER in our history one away to them. Last season’s encounter at Edgar Street ended in a 1-1 draw, but we were quite fortunate to get that. When we last played them, at home in February, they walked all over us and won 2-0. Worthy winners, on their day they’re a very good footballing side who have been most unlucky not to gain promotion back to the league in recent times. You’re in for a tough game there.

Thanks, Good Luck for the rest of the season when we beat you!


Cheers mate, all the best for the rest of the season….after Sunday that is!

You can visit Iain's website at:

 

www.freewebs.com/thisisbees