Good afternoon.

We have signed Chris Hackett from Northampton Town.

Chris is a player that I have known for a long time, and he has joined on loan until the end of the season.

At lunchtime today we have also signed Mark Randall from MK Dons.

Mark is a midfield player and we have signed him until the end of this season.

This week we offered Aaron McLean a contract extension that he turned down.

Aaron has now left the club and is ready and waiting for his next opportunity.

Aaron has been a terrific centre forward, a really good guy around the dressing room, and has a good personality and character.

But there’s no need to panic, as we have ‘the Gashman’ now ready to step in!

Shaun Batt was superb in the game against Southend United on Tuesday.

Don’t be fooled by his energy and running – now that he is fully fit I’m sure that we are going to see the best of Shaun Batt.

Young Mat Stevens will also make the step up.

We are in further negotiations with one more player, which I’m hoping will be signed and sealed before training tomorrow morning.

Lastly, Tamille Roache has left the club by mutual consent.

Tamille is a good lad but sadly it just hasn’t worked out for him here.

Wrap up warm and get ready for Saturday!

Regards.

Martin.

More information on our two new signings….

Chris Hackett

Chris began his career at Oxford United, making 142 appearances for his home town club.

He moved to Scottish Premier League side Heart of Midlothian for £20,000 in 2006, but returned to England six months later after a brief period over the border.

The winger then joined Millwall, and went on to play 145 times for the Lions – winning promotion to the Championship via the play-offs in 2010.

Short loan spells at Exeter City and Wycombe Wanderers followed, before Chris signed for Northampton Town.

He has made 148 appearances for the Cobblers to date, scoring 12 goals.

Mark Randall

Mark arrives from Championship side MK Dons, having making 17 appearances for the Buckinghamshire club.

The midfielder began his career at Arsenal – playing 13 times for the Gunners during five years at the Emirates Stadium. 

The 26-year-old enjoyed loan spells with Burnley, MK Dons and Rotherham United, before signing for Chesterfield on a permanent basis in 2011.

He won the Football League Trophy with the Spireites and made 51 appearances over two seasons.

Mark enjoyed a season in Italy with Ascoli, before returning to Stadium:MK for his second stint with the club in 2014.

Speaking at The Hive, Mark said:

"I’m very excited to be back in and around a team on matchdays – I can’t wait to get going.

"The manager was a big factor in me signing for Barnet.

"The facilities are really good as well – I’m really impressed by them.

"I think Barnet are a club on the up.

"I’ve played against Barnet a few times and they’ve always been tough games.

"I know a few players here, and they’ve always spoken highly of the club.

"I’m a player who likes to get on the ball, create goals, and hopefully I can score a few as well!"

Everyone at Barnet Football Club hope that Chris and Mark enjoy a successful time with the Bees, and would like to thank Aaron McLean and Tamille Roache for their efforts while at The Hive.