Barnet manager Dean Brennan has voiced his frustration over the club’s failure to secure Chesterfield midfielder Bailey Hobson, who remains available for transfer after being left out of Chesterfield’s 22-man squad list.
Hobson’s Potential Move to Barnet Hits a Snag
Hobson had an impressive loan spell at Barnet earlier this season, but Chesterfield recalled the 22-year-old due to an injury crisis. With Chesterfield’s squad now healthier, Hobson is once again available for a move, but Barnet have yet to finalise a deal.
Brennan expressed his dissatisfaction following Barnet’s 3-1 victory over second-placed York City—a win that extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points and strengthened their promotion bid.
“The three points are the most important, but the last three days have not been enjoyable whatsoever,” said Brennan. “What I have had to do with my agent in the last three days is madness that we have had to do that in the position we are in.”
Issues with Squad Depth Highlighted
Brennan’s concerns extend beyond the Hobson situation, as he criticised the club’s lack of support in securing necessary reinforcements, including a goalkeeper over the weekend. Injuries have left Barnet thin on the ground, forcing Brennan to deploy players out of position.
“I am putting technical players on when I need runners,” Brennan said. “All my runners are injured. Danny Collinge, Mark Shelton, Bailey Hobson—still not in the building. I had to play a winger in central midfield, imagine that in a title race.”
Chesterfield Reserves Provide Hobson with Game Time
While his future remains uncertain, Hobson played 90 minutes for Chesterfield’s reserves in a 3-0 win over Preston North End’s youth team. The match saw Kane Drummond score twice and Ollie Banks convert a penalty, with Hobson showing his readiness for first-team football.
Other notable participants included Janoi Donacien, John Fleck, and Vontae Daley-Campbell, as Chesterfield continue to assess their options ahead of a potential transfer for Hobson.
Writer’s View
Barnet’s promotion push could be hindered by off-field issues, with Dean Brennan’s frustration a clear signal that all is not well behind the scenes. Securing Bailey Hobson would provide much-needed squad depth, but the Bees’ ownership needs to move quickly to avoid missing out. As the business end of the season approaches, Barnet cannot afford to let internal disputes derail their march towards promotion.
