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For the past two seasons back in the Conference the first game of the season has thrown up tough away games against ex-league clubs (Hereford United and Doncaster Rovers) and both games were lost 2-1. This year, the computer has been kinder to us, at least that's what we thought at the time. Telford have signed some real quality, most notably ex-Bradford and Coventry City striker Lee Mills on a free and the debutants will certainly be looking to live up to their big billing.

However, Barnet have also had to ring the changes, no less than ten players have been bought in plus two academy players being offered professional contracts. The new players are - Ian Hendon (previously on loan, Peterborough United) Guy Lopez (previously on trial) Tony Taggart (Farnborough Town) Mark Williams (Brentford) Joe Gamble (loan from Reading) Danny Maddix (Sheffield Wednesday) Mark Rooney (Dagenham & Redbridge) Chris Plummer (QPR) Simon King (Oxford United) Guiliano Grazioli (part exchange with Junior Agogo, Bristol Rovers) Liam Hatch (Gravesend & Northfleet, £23,000) with Ricky Millard, Soloman Henry and Lee Roach signing professional terms. Obviously with this amount of new players, they have to be given time to gel and in six pre-season games they have not been outstanding but it's been encouraging. Draws against Arsenal, Peterborough, Orient and Weymouth and defeats against Brighton and Carshalton may not be the best results but the performances have been good with some individuals standing out. Liam Hatch on his debut against Arsenal was very unfortunate to pick up a bad injury which will keep him out until about three months into the season.

There is a giddy excitement around Barnet as the new season kicks off, a big crowd is doubtful but we can hope that the public can come along to get behind the team. No matter what the attendance, one thing we are guaranteed is an electric atmosphere generated from both sets of fans who will be equally psyched up for the new season. If there is one man to take us back into the league, it's Martin Allen, so let's get out there and show them what we're made of.

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Ground
Bucks Head
Capacity
6,800
Manager
Mick Jones
Chairman
Andy Shaw
2001/2002 Position
9th
2002/2003 Position
15th

Three sides of Bucks Head have now been rebuilt, the two ends with arched rooves are terraced and one end is given to away fans. The new Main Stand has just been completed and looks a very very impressive structure. Also, in the corner between the Stand and Away Terrace, a Hotel and Banqueting suite has been built offering a superb view of what must be one of the best Conference stadiums. The other side is an open terrace and I'm pretty sure that this side will be built up too.

Telford are a club with potential, they have an ambitious and rich chairman, a brilliant stadium and a strong squad, if they don't make it this year I'm pretty sure there'll be there or thereabouts over the coming season. Look out for them pushing up into the league.

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Report

Well the last few days have been sweltering and should be much the same on Saturday but a little bit of cloud is forecast so it may be a little cooler in South Herts but still very very warm and will be tough for the players.

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31°C - 88°F