TIME BEES AIM FOR TITLE TILT

A LITTLE over 12 months ago, I walked out of Wembley Stadium after Notts County had been promoted and felt defeated play-off finalists Chesterfield would be the team to beat the next year.

- Adam VIRCO

As we know, the Spireites walked away with the National League title to seal their long-awaited return to the Football League.

Barnet pushed them as far as they could but ultimately fell in the first hurdle of the play-offs when they were humbled by Solihull Moors after arguably their worst performance of the season. I listened to manager Dean Brennan’s interview after that and it was like, ‘I know what I need to do next season now’.

He didn’t hang around. I hadn’t even gone on my holidays and it felt like every other day someone was holding up a Barnet scarf.

Dean has turned down the advances of Swindon this summer and, after a couple of play-off pushes, it feels like now it’s time for a title challenge. There’s no real clear favourite for the league this season but, for me, they do start in pole position.

Moors experienced the fine margins in the promotion final, losing to Bromley on penalties. I think manager Andy Whing overachieved last year so I think the expectation for another guaranteed push is going to be probably a touch unjustified because they did so well.

I know I played with Andy but his tactical awareness is very good as is his man-management.