A statement from Barnet FC today said that chairman Tony Kleanthous and the board of directors were 100 per cent behind the concerns expressed by Dennis Signy in a website article on low attendances at Underhill this season.

The chairman, responding to criticism from a few supporters, said: "Both Dennis and I applaud the 1,303 fans who braved the appalling elements to watch the game against Macclesfield. He applauds the travelling fans in every programme article and has a rapport with Barnet FC Supporters Association.

"There was no intention of upsetting or alienating fans .... Dennis was making points on our behalf in forthright style about the effect low attendances will have on our budgets and also the possible need to move players out in January.

"Squad budgets are a percentage of turnover and the budget is thus severely restricted, which will result in us having to let players go at a time when we would prefer to make a few additions to bolster our push for the play-offs.

"Dennis is our PR consultant and spokesman - the board welcomes his expertise and contacts as a member of the backroom team. Some of the personal abuse heaped on him by a few fans is uncalled for".