Jake Cole, Barnet's 6ft 3ins tall goalkeeper, will collect his Player of the Year award at next Sunday's Community Open Day at Underhill ... with new manager Mark Stimson telling fans he hopes they won't be voting for him again next year.
Not that Stimson has anything against goalkeepers ... his assistant manager, Scott Barrett, was a goalie - but he wants the supporters' accolade next time to go to someone from the other end of the pitch to show that the team was more attack minded than under pressure.
Supporters will have a chance to meet Mark's 10 - so far! - new signings at the Open Day, which will feature the annual 20/20 cricket match between Barnet Cricket Club and the Barnet FC squad.
Stimson, aiming for a squad of 20, plans two more signings this week - three if top scorer John O'Flynn agrees a new contract. The thoughtful manager has asked www.barnetfc.com to organise a website photograph of his new signings so that supporters at Tuesday's pre-season friendly at Thurrock can identify them.
What sort of side will Stimson be fielding at Thurrock? "Two sides", he told BFCSA members at their annual meeting on Thursday. Trialists could figure as well as members of his newly assembled squad and youngsters in what should be an interesting game of two halves.
Entry to Open Day, from mid-day, is free, with fun planned for all the family. There will be behind-the-scenes stadium tours, traditional and Indian barbecues, Punch and Judy, beat the keeper and batsmen competitions, inflatable games, the rolling base van and prize draws and other competitions.
Dennis Signy
