Ian Hendon had good news for Barnet supporters after talking to his squad today ... out of contract skipper Neal Bishop, who has been rumoured with wanting to return to the North of England for months, may stay on at Underhill.

The manager has offered 27-year-old Bishop, who succeeded Ismail Yakubu as captain, a new deal. Hendon said: "I am quietly confident that he will stay".

The one-time England C international, who said that he was achieving a lifelong ambition of playing in the Football League when he joined Barnet from York City in August 2007, has played 92 games for the Bees and three as a substitute.

Yakubu, too, is considering an offer from Hendon, who hopes to persuade 40-year-old Paul Furlong to sign a fresh deal at Underhill when he leaves Southend United.

Footnote: Hendon points out to supporters that Cliff Akurang, Luke Medley, Elliott Charles and Joe Tabiri are contracted to Barnet for another season.


Dennis Signy