Club captain Graham Stack is glad to be back after returning to the 18-yard box for Barnet’s 1-3 win over St Albans on Tuesday.
The goalkeeper immediately declared his loyalty following the end of the 2012/13 season and he is delighted to be back.
Speaking post-match, Stack was pleased with the win and believes the players will reap the benefits of getting minutes on the board.
“It was a comfortable win as expected, we were fitter and sharper than them but we are full-time, it was just great to be back playing with the lads again.
“We had a good run out, some played 60 minutes, 75 and some like myself played the full match. It is all about getting minutes on the board and we will reap the benefits of it moving forward.”
Despite conceding Stack had little to do but he explained how both he and the team need to be mentally prepared as well as physically.
“Even though I didn’t have a great deal to do it is nice to get into back into the 18-yard box. I didn’t have a shot to save but I worked on my starting position, decision making, distribution and more.
“You have always got to be on your metal because a lapse in concentration could cost you. For me it was all about getting my mental strength and concentration levels up.”
With MK Dons, Ipswich Town and AEL Limassol all set to face the Bees during pre-season one thing is for sure and that is that Stack will be a lot busier moving forward.
“I’m really looking forward to the games against MK Dons and Ipswich Town, I think we know in those games I will have a lot more to do.
“It will be a good test for the boys in terms of how close we are to them in fitness, sharpness and ability.”
He continued: “The key thing to remember in pre-season is that results don’t mean anything, we could beat Ipswich and MK but lose to Chester on the opening day. I know which one I would rather win.
“They give us an opportunity to see where we are and what we can improve.”
Stack went on to praise the performance of new signing Anthony Acheampong who made his first start for the club.
“I thought Anthony did really well and I like him, he is physically strong, very vocal, good on the ball and quick, he has a lot of good attributes.
“He is also very young and he wants to learn. He has all the makings to really kick on in what will be a big season for him. He played in the Conference South last year and it is a step up but it’s one he can handle.”
