There were familiar faces among the trialists training and playing alongside the Barnet squad in a rigorous three and a half hour session at Underhill today.

Ian Hendon, perhaps preparing for the 20/20 cricket match against Barnet Cricket Club at the Barnet FC Community Day on Sunday, July 13, played everything about signings with a straight bat.

No names, no pack drill, was the Hendon edict. He was prepared to say that players from Reading, Exeter and Colchester United were in the group ... even one who played in Spain last season.

There was an international midfield player with extensive Championship experience among his 500 games ... even a former Underhill favourite of the past.

"I'm just looking at them", Hendon smiled ... he doesn't want to alert other clubs to their availability if he wants them.

Jake Hyde, the 6 ft tall former Swindon striker, was one to be named as a squad member after signing on the dotted line two days after his 19th birthday.

One trialist who did not turn up was a 6ft 7ins tall goalkeeper from Lithuania. Ian Hendon invited him along earlier this week.

There were two other absentees. After training Hendon resumed efforts to sign them.

Hendon will be assessing more trialists this weekend and playing some of them against Grays Athletic next week.

It's eight days before the visit to Dover Athletic - he'll be naming names by then.


Dennis Signy