When the announcement was made that Edgar Davids to stay at the club for another season it was a decision that sent Barnet fans into delirium.

It goes without question that he is the right man to lead the club forward and to help us regain our coveted Football League status.

In fact, a staggering 97% of Barnet fans wanted him to stay at the club according to a poll on the Barnet Forum. It is testament to Davids that he is so highly regarded at the club despite our relegation.

He brings a feel-good factor that will have ramifications on and off the pitch.

Under Davids we play an expansive style of football which gains results: in his 34 games in charge we picked up 48 points.

While the move to The Hive may see a drop in attendances, Davids’ presence may attract many neutrals that would not have come to watch Barnet otherwise.

The retaining of Davids was not the only major announcement in the last week. Our squad list for the upcoming campaign was also confirmed.

Twenty-six players have been kept for next season with this including our top-scorer Jake Hyde, midfield maestros Mark Byrne and Curtis Weston and talented left-back Elliott Johnson.

While I am delighted at the decision to keep many of these players we have far too big a squad. The effects of the Robson era can still be seen. Many reserve players are tied down to two-year deals and take up valuable squad space and money.

We are still players short of mounting a promotion challenge though. A couple of centre-backs and right-backs, a few centre-midfielders and wingers, as well as a striker are all needed in my view.

Thirteen players also departed the club, with the most noticeable being Barry Fuller and Clovis Kamdjo.

The latter will be missed by the Barnet faithful. He is a cult hero for us.

My favourite memories of 'Clovinho' include the St Albans City stadium announcer calling him “Clous Komojo” and winning the man-of-the-match award against Southend United despite an abject performance – it summed up his likeable nature.

A phenomenal thing regarding the retained list is an extraordinary 11 players have come through the club’s academy. This is a path which has a lot to be admired and will help massively in the years to come.

It is these players who represent the future and they could play a big part next year. Luke Gambin – supposedly a surprise target for Ajax – George Sykes, Jamal Lowe plus others all have the talent to become regular fixtures in the side.

They are the future of the club. And under Davids this is an ethos that will continue in the Conference. Another thing that will hopefully continue to grow is the bond between him and the club.

Edgar Davids is a paradox in modern football. Most play for the desire of a huge pay cheque over their burning love for the game. But not Davids. His underlying love for the game has seen him take a unique career path.

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