Barnet buzzing after crazy days

Barnet have developed a habit of leaving it late but this season they outdid themselves. Heading into the final few weeks of the campaign, relegation from League Two was almost a certainty.

And the season was more of a rollercoaster for Anwar Uddin than anyone else. "I joined as a player but have had an ankle injury [since March]," said the former Dagenham defender.

"When Martin Allen came in he asked me to become first-team coach and when he left and Giuliano Grazioli took charge I was promoted to assistant manager. It's been crazy."

The off-field turmoil is evidence of why Barnet have struggled. Mark Stimson was sacked on New Year's Day and after a revival under Allen the club were shocked when the latter left for Notts County after just 19 days.

It was left to Grazioli, Uddin and Lawrie Sanchez to pick up the pieces, which they managed to do.
Sanchez has since been appointed manager on a full-time basis with Grazioli as his assistant and Uddin is hopeful Barnet can put their days of struggle behind them.

"There is no doubt as a club we made it hard for ourselves but against all the odds we survived and that's what counts," said Uddin.