Mark Stimson has been given the go-ahead to strengthen his team as soon as possible with a striker being the No 1 priority.

The Bank Holiday message from Underhill and The Hive is categorical: the club has not yet finished team rebuilding. Although there is a new manager, a new coaching and medical staff and 15 new players there is the imminent likelihood of perhaps two more signings.

Mark Stimson included seven trialists in a Barnet side that played a behind-closed doors match against Dagenham & Redbridge last week and has had others, including former Barnet players of the recent and not so recent eras, training at The Hive.

Although the manager originally said that he had finalised his rebuilding of a new squad, the injury to Steve Kabba on the opening day of the season and an indifferent start has forced a rethink. Mark Stimson and first team coach Michael Stone were on scouting missions this afternoon.

Dennis Signy