“A 2-1 win away at Notts County showed a resilience and maturity that’s been lacking for a while“
The opposition interview series reaches number 7. This time it’s Iain Botterill from BeesPod, who answers our questions on his team Barnet FC:
Hi guys, thanks for talking to us. Before we discuss your team, tell us a bit about your podcast?
Hi, thanks for the invite. We’re BeesPod, a Barnet podcast that’s been running for three seasons now. We try and do shows every few months and this year have started doing a summary after each game to keep fans who missed a fixture in the loop.
What were your expectations for the Bees heading into the season?
I think most Bees fans were feeling cautiously optimistic. Currie has done a good job since January and the cup run last year showed what we could do. However, unless we sign a striker, most fans are resigned to a mid-table finish.
How have you started the season and what’s been the highlights so far?
The start to the season has been solid. A couple of players have stepped up and there have been some impressive performances. A 2-1 win away at Notts County showed a resilience and maturity that’s been lacking for a while.
Which key players should we look out for this Monday?
Jack Taylor is a classy midfielder who Joined up with the Republic of Ireland Under-21s this summer. Aside from that, Scott Loach has been an astute signing and has impressed in the early stages of the season.
Who’s the man in charge and what tactics does he utilise?
Darren Currie, a club legend and quality winger 20 years or so ago, took over from John Still last year. Expect a patient and progressive build-up, relying on the interplay between the CMs, but sometimes a lack of cutting edge.
What’s the Hive like for visiting supporters and are you expecting a big crowd on Monday afternoon?
The Hive is a tidy, modern stadium with an excellent away end. There’s a huge bar underneath the stand and you’ll be hard pressed to find better facilities at this level. Barnet’s crowd has been dropping for a few years now and, in August, could dip below 1000 home fans.
Where’s best for the Yellow Army to visit for pre-match food and drinks?
The Hive bar is excellent and well reviewed by other fans. There aren’t too many other great bars nearby, but just outside of Canons Park are a couple of cafes/ restaurants and pubs. I’d recommend going to the ground beforehand though.
Who are your tips for promotion and relegation this season?
We ran a league table predicting the league. We reckoned Chesterfield and Fylde would be battling it out at the top – and had Torquay in the play offs! At the other end, we think Aldershot, Maidenhead, Chorley and Halifax will drop; although Halifax are currently going great guns in the league so what do we know!
Which fixtures are you most looking forward to and why?
There are few natural rivals in this league and some of the aesthetic grounds have sadly fallen away over the years. It’s good to see Stockport back at this level and the games against Boreham Wood have a little bit more spice than in recent years over the Christmas period.
And finally, TUFC have high hopes for the season but what do you think the result will be at the Hive?
This is a good test for both sides. I’ll go for a draw; 1-1.
Cheers Iain.
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