Barnet sign Paul Mitchell on a months loan

Barnet have signed 27 year old midfield player, Paul Mitchell from MK Dons on a one month loan deal. Mitchell began his career at Wigan Athletic, where he played for nearly six years making 81 first team appearances for the Latics before joining MK Dons in 2005 following a three month loan spell at the club. While at Wigan he also had loan spells at Halifax Town and Swindon Town.

He has made 82 first team appearances for the Dons. He was the club's captain in season 2005-06, when the Dons were relegated to League Two. Mitchell, nicknamed 'Peggy' by MK Dons' fans, suffered a broken leg in February 2007 and has been out for 18 months before making his return on Tuesday in the Dons' Carling Cup tie at Cardiff City. He is considered to be mainly a ball winner, rather than a goal scoring midfield player or play maker. Indeed he is yet to score a first team goal in his career. But he has a reputation as a leader and captain and could be just the player the young Bees side needs at the moment.

Mitchell played for MK Dons against Barnet in the 3-3 draw at Underhill in September 2006 and is described in the Barnet programme as being 'the pivot of the Dons midfield and loves a tackle as well as being confident in possession and having bags of stamina'. Apparently, if Mitchell hadn't have been a footballer he might have been a boxer, a sport he loves.

Mitchell looks likely to be included in the Barnet side for the match at Chester tomorrow alongside new French central defender, Jeremy de Magalhaes who signed last week from FC Cannes. Barnet have also signed goalkeeper, Ran Kodash. Kodash, who played in the pre-season friendlies against Leeds and Watford, has formerly played for Israeli clubs, Hapoel Ranana and Nes Ziona. He has also had a trial with Oldham Athletic. He is the first Israeli goalkeeper to sign for an English club and Barnet have received international clearance to allow him to play.

Meanwhile, skipper Ismail Yakubu and Max Porter face late fitness tests before the game at Chester and manager, Paul Fairclough will decide who plays in goal tomorrow between Kodash, Rob Beckwith and Lee Harrison. On loan left back, Aswad Thomas will continue at left back as replacement for Kenny Gillet whose suspension will be complete after tomorrow's game and will be eligible for Tuesday's JPT match at Dagenham & Redbridge.