N Rowland Sports Writer

I’ve supported Barnet FC since 2007. My first game was in 2007 against Bradford City at the famous ground that is Underhill, no longer a football ground unfortunately. In that time, I’ve seen one promotion, two relegations and a plethora of mediocre managers and players come and go. It has been enjoyable, emotional, and exhausting as well as fun, testing and hard work at times. There have been times, as recently as the 2021/22 season, where its felt as if the fun and enjoyment central to being a supporter has been sucked out of our club and we’ve been left with an endless slog in the hope for a brighter future and something tangibly exciting.

However, last season felt different. It laid the groundwork for the dreamy start to this season. We won plenty of games, played a watchable style of football, flirted with going to Wembley and got into the play-offs. Despite the heartbreak, it was a season I loved and a season whereby I fell back in love with the club. It was something to build on and as I walked out of our ground after losing to Boreham Wood in the play-off eliminator, I was gutted that we’d have to spend another season in the 5^th tier of English football, but I was looking forward to the upcoming season. A novel feeling for us Bees fans.

Little did I know that we’d have 16 points from our first 7 games, be top of the league and playing some of the most sparkling football I’ve ever seen. From pushing aside Hartlepool and Bromley to dismantling Altrincham and finally beating Boreham Wood away, it has been a thoroughly enjoyable start to the season and one that has got us Bees fans dreaming. The win at Meadow Park vs Boreham Wood solidified this; we faced a physical side and were frustrated for large parts but got through and won it through a 76^th minute winner from Adebola Oluwo.

This was a win of potential champions and one where I saw that this side could do it. It links to what football is meant to be; enjoyable, fun and it’s a far cry from the seasons that have gone by before.

There is a long way to go, and we’ve still got to play Chesterfield home and away, Solihull Moors home and away, Hartlepool home and away amongst other hard games and it could all come crashing down in the hard winter but our charismatic manager, Dean Brennan will ensure that nobody gets too overexcited.

It hasn’t always been easy for Brennan but since last season, he has well and truly endeared himself to the fan base through his undying honesty, passion for the club and management nous. He’s one of the best managers I’ve ever seen since I’ve started supporting this wondrous club and hopefully, he gets the success he deserves.

As for the rest of us, we’ve got to try and enjoy it whilst we’re in the dreamy phase of the season before it gets fraught and tense. This is the best its been for ages, soak it in Bees.