Dean Brennan says his regular conversations with experienced League Two managers have been an 'unbelievable education' during his five-year tenure at Barnet. The 46-year-old boss is using those lessons to drive the club forward after a strong start to the new campaign.
Brennan actively seeks out post-match discussions with his counterparts, valuing the wealth of knowledge in the division. "It's an unbelievable education when you open the floor to a Steve Cotterill or a Paul Cook," Brennan said. He noted that figures like Steve Evans have managed hundreds of games and secured promotions, offering invaluable insight for any coach. Brennan also highlighted the specific lessons from managers like Michael Flynn and Nigel Clough, whose experiences in different footballing contexts add further depth to his learning.
Reflecting on five seasons
Brennan pointed to consistent improvement since taking charge, with the team raising its standards annually. The high point came last season when Barnet amassed 76 points to finish eighth in League Two. "In the five full seasons I've been at the club, we've raised the bar every year," he stated. That 76-point haul, which included 21 wins, has set a new benchmark for the club and its supporters.
Current form and challenges
The Bees are currently top of the table with 15 points from their opening seven fixtures, maintaining an unbeaten start. Brennan believes his side should have even more points and recognises a demanding period ahead. "We've got a huge six weeks coming up," he said. The squad will be tested, but the manager welcomes the challenge. This period includes the next fixture, a home match against a Crawley Town side that has taken 13 points from their first seven games. Brennan acknowledged the specific threat posed by Crawley's Danilo Orsi, who is the division's current top scorer with six goals.
Barnet's momentum is clear from their recent results, having won their last five league matches in a row. The team's current form and league position are also detailed in our standings section. Brennan's focus is now fully on maintaining this positive run through a difficult sequence of games.
First reported at bbc.com
