Anthony Thomas, the 25-year-old striker Paul Fairclough signed a year ago after he had scored 77 goals in two seasons for Hemel Hempstead Town, has been released by Barnet.

 

The news that Thomas was the third player released by the Bees - Giuliano Grazioli and Sagi Burton are the others - came on the day that Fairclough announced his retained list.

 

Thomas, who started the season partnering Adam Birchall up front, scored only four goals in 15 starts and 17 more when used as a substitute. His blistering goal against Dagenham and Redbridge, which burst the side netting and went out of the goal, was memorable. Thomas was loaned out at one stage to Cambridge City.

 

The manager decided at the end of the season that Thomas did not fit into his plans for a promotion push next season.

 

Although statistics show that the Bees were attack minded last season - only Peterborough United had more efforts on goal - Paul Fairclough announced in the January transfer window that he was looking to bring in a 20-goals-a-season striker. The fact that Thomas has joined Grazioli on the released list suggests that the hunt for a prolific marksman is still on.

 

Dennis Signy