Barnet have announced the first five players they will retain for next season and Bees fans will undoubtedly be pleased to see Graham Stack, David Stephens and Luke Gambin included.

Harry Crawford and Mauro Vilhete will also remain with the club as Barnet look to make an immediate return to the Football League following relegation this season.

Stack and Stephens were two of Barnet’s stand-out performers and already had contracts for next season.

On social networking website Twitter, Stephens tweeted: "Thanks for the messages. Of course anyone with another year or more on their contract would be on the 'retained' list."

Meanwhile, the Bees have confirmed John Oster, Chiro N’Toko and Liam O’Brien will leave the club at the end of their contract.

Oster joined Barnet on a free transfer and his composure in possession proved a vital aspect of the Bees passing style.

O’Brien started the campaign as the Bees first choice goalkeeper but an injury and the form of Stack meant he was unable to regain his place in the squad.