An American fan made an 8,000 mile round trip to see his beloved Barnet FC get promoted to the Football League.

Marc Hager travelled from St Louis, Missouri last weekend to watch the Bees play, saying “I could not allow myself to miss it.”

The 23-year-old student, who has supported Barnet for eight years, landed in London on Friday afternoon and left on Sunday morning, after watching the team beat Gateshead 2-0 at the Hive on Saturday.

He first started following the team after reading about the Arsenal Barnet annual friendly game, and found that the club “stood out” for him.

Speaking about Saturday’s game, Mr Hager said: “The atmosphere at the match was fantastic. We dominated from start to finish and Mauro scored two great goals. I was right behind the goal when we went a goal up, and the North Terrace went off. Absolutely mental.

“Every single stand could be heard and the celebration at the end was something to remember. The boys put in a wonderful performance and the title is well deserved.”

Mr Hager spent a semester studying in London in the spring of 2013, and travelled around the country following the Bees.

He added: “Promotion means a great deal to me. I was at Northampton when we were relegated and it hurt deeply. I felt partly responsible because for the three seasons prior, the club had survived the drop, and then I came along to north London and ruined it.

“Winning the league and getting promoted helps ease that pain for everyone, and it serves as some personal redemption for myself. The fact that I was able to make the long journey over and be there to witness it meant a lot. Back in the Football League where we belong.”

The Bees' fan also shared his views on the club's move to Harrow two years ago.

He said: "I think The Hive has served its purpose well, and that the club is ready to move back to Barnet. I'm not a local, but from my experiences, my trips to Barnet were special.

"Taking the northern line to High Barnet and walking to the stadium was a wonderful feeling, one that is hard to put into words. While The Hive certainly isn't the worst thing in the world, I hope that some day soon I can travel back to London and take the tube to Barnet to watch my club play."

For a roundup of our coverage and anaylsis of Saturday's game, click here.