Barnet manager Martin Allen discussed the Bees’ upcoming match with Bristol Rovers ahead of training on Friday morning.
Speaking to barnetfc.com, Martin said:
“The players came in for a warm down on Wednesday morning.
“Then some of the players who have got knocks had to come in on Thursday.
The rest of the first team squad were off to rest and get themselves ready for Saturday’s game.
“Obviously everybody is pleased to get three points on the board.
“Now we’ll regroup on Friday morning and prepare ahead of Saturday’s match.
“It’s always a good atmosphere at the Memorial Stadium every time we visit there; the place is always buzzing and they’re a very passionate crowd.
“The Bristol Rovers supporters are humble, hardworking people.
“They sing with energy and enthusiasm.
“This game has nothing to do with what happened last season in the league.
“It hasn’t even been mentioned in our dressing room.
“What happened last year happened – the fact that we both got promoted is great.
“It’s a new day, it’s a new game and it’s a new competition.
“Every game we play is a tough challenge and every team we go up against is a tough challenge.
“I’ve been doing this now for 35 years and I don’t think there’s been one week where you don’t prepare fully, properly, and try to do things the right way.
“Darrell Clarke has done an amazing job, there’s no doubt about it.
“For a club to get relegated and to bounce back at the first time of asking is remarkable.”
Striker Aaron McLean has arrived at the club this week, and Martin explained the reasons behind his signing:
“I had a bit of a dilemma at the beginning of the week,” he said.
“The MRI scan on Kevin Lisbie’s hamstring came back, and it’s not good news.
“He’s going to be out longer, and possibly needs surgery.
“I was really looking forward to having him back and coming into our team, because Kevin Lisbie is a very good player.
“So I had to look around and find somebody who could come in on a three month deal.
“I didn’t want to take anyone from the Under 21 Premier League, I wanted someone who’s seen it and done it, got experience, and can lead the line.
“I think it’s fair to say that Aaron hasn’t had a very good last 18 months.
“But I saw him play in pre-season for Dagenham & Redbridge, away at Braintree Town.
“He came on as a sub for half an hour and he was electric.
“You can forget the McLean of the past; what he was like at Aldershot, how good he was when he was at Peterborough and at other clubs.
“It’s a gamble.
“I can’t imagine he’s going to start that many games, but he’s going to be a real threat coming off the bench.
“Let’s hope that he does it for us.”
