A group of supporters recently met to discuss the need for a supporters’ group to represent the interests of all Barnet supporters and, following encouragement by the club, have elected to develop a supporter group.

The majority of regular supporters who attend matches at The Hive are members of Barnet Football Club (although it is recognised that many are not members), and as such constitute a group of supporters who have direct contact with the club. The views of supporters are valued by the club but currently very little feedback is received from supporters – hence the idea for the supporters’ group.

The intention is to create a voice through which supporters (both members and non-members) can collectively express their views not only concerning the facilities at The Hive but also to include all that it means to be a Barnet FC supporter. It is hoped this will lead to a first-class matchday experience for every supporter which will in turn assist the club in achieving higher attendances and a greater presence in the community.

The club is very supportive of the creation of such a group to represent the members and supporters through which all matters of mutual interest can be discussed.

The supporters’ group is intended solely to act as a bridge between the club, members and supporters.  There is no intention to compete with or replicate the Supporters’ Trust or to interfere with any attempts made to restart it, nor the Back to Barnet campaign which exists as a separate entity.

Key areas of focus for this group will include:

–    Enhancing the matchday experience at The Hive.

–    Ensuring that away travel is the best it can be.

–    Organising social events eventually including opportunities to meet the Chairman, manager and players.

–    Participating in community and charity events.

–    Helping to improve attendances.

It is not intended for there to be any memberships or to charge subscriptions to join since the group only wishes to act as a bridge between the regular supporters and the club.  Contact with the members will be made through notices to members issued by the club, the matchday programme, posters around the ground and by appropriate posts on the Only Barnet message board and by building an opt-in emailing list. The group will meet on a regular basis and these meetings will be open for all to attend at any time.

The group who met initially now consider the initiative up and running and going forward will commence efforts to meet the five objectives through regular contact with the members and supporters.

The first meeting of the supporters’ group was attended by:

John Atkins

Jeanette Cluff

Stephen Cranfield

Chris Emery

Nik Haidar

Tony Hammond

Mike Hanley

Alex Jones

Kyle Kelly

Peter Speroni

Henry Strevens

Eddie Thompson