Jake Cole, the 23-year-old goalkeeper who was a big hit with Barnet supporters when he played 10 games on loan from Queens Park Rangers in March and April, signed a one year deal, with an option for a further year, this afternoon.

Brilliant news for the fans, who established a rapport with the 6ft 3ins tall keeper as he kept three successive clean sheets to help the Bees clear of the relegation zone.

A relieved Ian Hendon said: "I hope any future incoming transfers will be easier ... I have been trying to get Jake to the club since he went back to QPR".

Cole, currently growing a beard, said that he had been happy playing with Barnet and getting first team experience after six seasons at Loftus Road where he had mainly been a stand-in keeper and was loaned to Hayes, AFC Wimbledon, Farnborough Town and Oxford United.

Although former Rangers manager John Gregory called Jake "a model professional", Cole only made six senior appearances for the West London club.

Cole was one of 40 players training at Underhill today - 25 of them trialists. Ian Hendon said that he had further targets ... some of them not among the trialists.

Cole said that he was looking forward to working with Hendon and Lee Harrison, now the first team coach. Harrison is still registered as a player -- "I'll turn out if needed", he said.

Fashion note: Cole plans a variety of beards this season, from bushy to well trimmed.

Dennis Signy & Rolf Harris

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