Sitting atop the Conference League table on 15 points with 16 goals scored and just 2 conceded, Barnet are back stronger than ever.

It’s early days and of course throughout the season there will be obstacles, but fans should be buzzing around The Hives Stadium at the moment with optimism.

Kicking off the new campaign with a thumping 5-0 away victory Barnet have been impressive to say the least.

Here are five reasons I believe the Bees are better equipped this season than ever to return to the Football League.

[ffc-gallery]

Click on Graham Stack to reveal

Graham stack

[/ffc-gallery]

Five Clean Sheets Already

Graham stack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Behind the rotation of goalkeepers too many cheap goals were conceded at The Hive Stadium and on the road last campaign. If Barnet are to earn a promotion this season the goalkeeper is key and Graham Stack has been in great form thus far.Bringing the experienced goalkeeper back into goal for all the games so far has helped maintain the balance in what was a leaky defence last season.

Regaining the number 1 jersey from former coach Edgar Davids looks to have also motivated the Irishman. Managing to keep Stack fit will be one of the most important things Barnet need to do this season. He saved numerous points for the team last term so to keep him in at the number 1 spot and less time out injured will surely gain the Bees promotion.

A More Mature, Consistent Squad

3995016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Barnet were relegated from League Two the youthful squad failed to help them bounce back with promotion. The team was in need of a leader but it didn't seem there were many players being vocal in the dressing room. Too many games were lost through a simple lack of concentration.

This season has seen a number of transfers in and out of the squad balancing a healthy range of ages throughout the squad. A new level of maturity can be seen throughout the squad. As harsh as it seems 22 year old Harry Crawford needed to move on with a lack of consistency in front of goal, the new look Barnet has opted for a necessary experience over youth this term.

Fire Power Upfront

4050539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last season Barnet's top scorer wasn't Harry Crawford or Jake Hyde but midfielder Keanu Marsh-Brown. Knowing that information the Bees knew that they would need to be in the market for a new striker. They signed two and they've managed to strike a prolific partnership already.

New boy’s Lee Cook and Charlie MacDonald have been outstanding accounting for 10 of the 16 goals so far this campaign. In their early 30s, both have been around the block sharing invaluable experience playing at the top levels. To bounce back at the second time of asking these two will prove vital.

No more over-reliance on Edgar Davids

4048606

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Edgar Davids joined Barnet Football Club it shocked everyone. His decision to join his 'local' club was a big statement and should have led to a lot more but ultimately didn't go as planned. The Dutchman became player-manager but left earlier in the year in January.

What should have propelled Barnet to League One football with the leadership of one of football's greatest players seemed to do more damage than good. As great as it seems sometimes having a legend among the staff can be overwhelming which was definitely the case for Barnet last season. Not forgetting the ‘trend’ the Dutch midfielder set by claiming the number 1 jersey as an outfield player.

Martin Allen, again!

3884793

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, which looks to be a part of Barnet Football Club culture is the reintroduction of manager Martin Allen. It’s like every other season Allen is back managing Barnet. A man who is very familiar with most players and the club set up itself.

Having his familiar face around the club will do the Bees a world of good plus he knows his way around the Football League. With previous experience of guiding Barnet to safety in past seasons he will only prove to be a timely boost for the club. That’s hoping he doesn’t leave any time soon.