Badgers look for stabilityBarnet Boss Allen Heaps Praise On Muggleton

[FF News]

Retford United have held an emergency meeting this week in their first steps to stabilise the club after a dramatic few days at the Jones

Barnet boss Martin Allen admitted he had not expected to be able to sign defender Sam Muggleton in the summer after he scored his first professional goal against Southport on Saturday.

The left-back, on as a substitute for Lee Cook, got Barnet's fourth in the win over Southport, racing onto a perfectly-weighted pass from Gash to cleverly nod over stranded Port goalkeeper Callum Burton.

Muggleton's goal sparked scenes of jubilation on the Bees' bench, with Allen celebrating the goal more vigorously than any other his side's other three strikes.

Speaking afterwards, Allen heaped praise on the 19-year-old, who followed the Bees head coach from Gillingham after a loan spell at The Hive towards the end of last season.

"He works his socks off. He does not get enough credit, the lad," enthused Allen. "He is only just 19, is living in digs down here and does not know anyone. He never moans and trains longer hours than anybody else.

"There is more to his game than the long throw. He is a whole-hearted, honest, decent lad with a good attitude. And with a bit of extra fitness work, strengthening and speed work, he is going to be a real asset to the club for the future. I am delighted we have got him and surprised we have got him."

Allen continued: No [i had not expected to be able to bring him to the club] - an 18-year-old with a good left foot, good in the air?

"He needs some fitness work but with the attitude he has got he is prepared to do it. Our staff are prepared to put the extra hours in to help our young players and the transition from youth football to men's football is a big step.

"They need a lot of physical work; training inside and outside the gym and we have got a staff here will do it. And we have definitely got a player [who will work hard] because I had him at a previous club and I know he is prepared to put the extra time.

It is going to take him a little bit of time because he is only a year out of youth football. But I was thrilled and chuffed to bits for him to get his first goal.

 

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