Sam Deering, whose contract was not renewed at the end of last season, has decided to join Cheltenham Town on a two year contract. The popular Deering will be missed by many fans but has now joined a club with promotion ambitions after missing out through losing in the play-offs last season.
The feisty midfield player joined the club from Oxford United last year, initially on loan and was a key member of the side that kept Barnet up in 2011. His brace at home to Chesterfield, in Martin Allen’s first game back at Underhill, pulled Barnet back from 2-0 down, Deering having come on as a substitute at half time. Deering’s first goal was later voted goal of the season by the Barnet fans. For a lot of Barnet fans, it was the first sign that perhaps relegation to the Blue Square Premier was not inevitable. At the end of the season, Deering was released by Oxford and was offered a contract at Underhill.
Last season, Deering seemed to be out of favour, initially, with Lawrie Sanchez and was relegated to the bench a number of times. However, as the season progressed, Deering regained his first team place and, again, played an important part in keeping Barnet in League Two. He scored the important second goal in the penultimate game at home to AFC Wimbledon. In all, Deering made 69 first team appearances for the Bees, scoring 5 goals.
Barnet Mad wishes Sam all the best in the future.