Barnet’s new manager, Mark Stimson, has signed two attacking midfield players, Glen Southam and Glenn Poole, making it three new signings for the Bees so far, following the earlier signing of Ricky Holmes.
Southam was playing last season for Blue Square Premier side, Histon. He began his career at Bishop’s Stortford and scored 27 goals in 124 appearances at the club, being voted player of the year no less than three times between 2000 and 2004. In 2004, he was signed by John Still for Dagenham & Redbridge and helped the Daggers win the Conference title in 2007. He made over 200 league appearances for Dagenham, scoring 25 goals before moving to Hereford United in 2009. He made 19 appearances for Histon last season, scoring 2 goals.
Poole started his career at Thurrock before joining up with Mark Stimson at Grays in 2005. He made over 80 appearances for the Essex side scoring 22 goals, a good haul for a midfield player. In 2007 he had a short spell at Rochdale before joining Brentford. He scored 21 goals in two seasons at Griffin Park and helped ‘the other Bees’ win promotion to League One in 2009. Poole looked a talented player when he played against Barnet and it was somewhat surprising when Brentford manager, Andy Scott released him at the end of that season.
Last season, Poole had spells at Grays and AFC Wimbledon. If he can regain his form of a year or so ago, then he could make a very big impact at Underhill. In recent seasons, Barnet have been crying out for an attacking midfield player who can score goals and Poole looks as though he can fit the bill
Mark Stimson has also offered a contract to Bees’ left back, Kenny Gillet, whose contract ran out at the end of last season. The French defender has made 100 league appearances in three seasons at Underhill since joining from Caen. A popular player with the East Terrace fans, Gillet proved his adaptability last season by filling in at centre back as though he had played there all his life.
Meanwhile, Dover Athletic fans have been shocked by Ian Hendon’s decision to quit Dover after just 18 days at manager following his dismissal at Underhill last season. Hendon has accepted a job as assistant manager at Gillingham by the new Gills’ manager, and former Underhill favourite, Andy Hessenthaler. Hendon’s appointment at the Priestfield Stadium is likely to add even more spice to the meetings between Barnet and Gillingham next season.