Martin Allen remains upbeat despite Barnet relegation

Posted Sunday, May 06, 2018 by PA

Barnet boss Martin Allen was optimistic for the future after his side were relegated to the National League despite a 3-0 win against Chesterfield on the final day of the season.

Goals from John Akinde, Richard Brindley and Alex Nicholls were not enough to preserve Barnet’s League Two status as Morecambe drew against Coventry to take 22nd place on goal difference.

However, Allen refused to be downhearted.

“The players have been absolutely outstanding since I’ve been here in these must-win matches, the crowd has also got behind the team and you can tell from the spirit around the stadium that it’s a very positive attitude,” Allen said.

“I’m disappointed to be going down a division but there’s a lot to look forward to – that’s what I hope everyone would be thinking after the way we’ve all galvanised ourselves over the last few weeks.

“These players have been hammered left, right and centre but after their performances over the last few weeks those players can hold their heads up and there are good players here.

Allen was coy when asked about his future, adding: “We’ll have to wait and see. That’ll be the chairman’s decision.

“For whoever is in charge of Barnet Football Club next season, there are good players here and really something to get a hold of. Next season could be very, very exciting.”

Chesterfield caretaker manager, Ian Evatt, was downbeat with the way his side performed in the second half.

“In the first half we created three or four gilt-edged chances that have got to go into the back of the net and when Kristian (Dennis) doesn’t score, no-one else seems to,” Evatt said.

“In the second half we were too easy to beat. We just rolled over and showed a weak, soft side that shouldn’t be there and needs to change fast.

“Losing is like a disease and it’s just become week in, week out, and we’re too easy to accept it.

“I said in there to the players, ‘You’ve got to look at the facts and the facts are that we are the worst team in the Football League and you’ve got to go home this summer and that’s got to hurt’.”

When discussing his three-game spell as caretaker manager, Evatt said: “I’ve enjoyed it and for two-and-a-half games, the lads gave me everything.

“It’s showed me that I’m definitely cut out to be a manager. Whether my playing days are over, I’m not so sure but I’ll think about my future and I’ll do whatever is best for this football club.”