Edgar Davids says Barnet’s players must not underestimate the Conference and believes it is a league “full of real men”.

The Bees’ aim for the forthcoming season is to achieve promotion back to the Football League at the first attempt.

Only two teams – Shrewsbury Town and Carlisle United – have made instant returns to League Two following relegation and Davids is under no illusion about the difficulties his side will face during the campaign.

He said: “Everyone is talking about promotion and that is our aim, but you can’t underestimate the league.

“You only have to look at a team like Luton, they have a much bigger budget than we do but they haven’t been able to get promoted.

“It will certainly not be a walk in the park because it will be tough. This is a league full of real men and some of them go to work in the day and then play in the evening.

“It is a league that really does separate the men from the boys and that is what I’ve told the players.

“We have to be respectful and cautious. We have tried to build that in to the squad, to do our best and hopefully achieve the highest position we can.”

Davids believes the pressure will be on his side to challenge for promotion and admits it is something the players will have to live with.

The Dutchman is pleased the Bees were able to retain a large amount of last season’s squad but acknowledges further signings are needed.

“I hope we can complete some other signings to complement the squad,” he said.

“We have to see who is available but our budget it not unlimited. There are a couple of positions we want to strengthen but we need to see which players will fit into the squad. So we will see if we can join all the bolts together.”

Davids’ future was the point of much speculation following Barnet’s relegation. Many outsiders thought he would leave the club for pastures new. However, he remains committed to the Bees.

He returned from a trip abroad to be on the touchline and also play 31 minutes of Barnet’s 3-1 pre-season victory at St Albans City on Tuesday evening.

When asked if there was a chance of him leaving the club in the summer, he replied: “There is always doubt because in football anything can happen. The most stupid thing you can do in football is to be surprised.

“But I am pleased to be here. We have a very loyal and appreciative fan base and the infrastructure at the club is very good.”