He has played for Barnet, coached for Barnet and managed Barnet. On Saturday Giuliano Grazioli was back at Underhill for one last time. On this occasion he was supporting Barnet.

“It was a pleasure to be in the stands. It was the first time I’ve been here as a fan,” ‘Graz’ admitted. His affection for the Bees undiminished despite working as a scout for League Two champions Gillingham.

“Barnet means a lot to me. I’m a local boy and my family and friends are from around the area. To have my shirts up on walls at this club is nice.

“I have had some great moments at Underhill. The day we beat Halifax 3-1 to win the league in 2005; that Tuesday night against Carlisle when I scored the overhead kick to equalise; and I scored five here against Barnet for Peterborough which I have to mention even though some of the fans won’t like it.

“I had a 16 year career in football and there are not many people that can say they’ve done as much as that.

“I am very proud to have done it at Barnet.”

Grazioli made 146 appearances as a player for the Bees and scored 65 times.

He played a pivotal role in helping the club clinch promotion to the Football League in 2005.

He left the Bees in 2008 but returned two years later as a community development officer.

When Martin Allen returned to the club in March 2011 Grazioli was made assistant manager.

Just 19 days after his appointment Allen left the club. Grazioli was put in charge of the first team with the task of keeping the Bees in the Football League.

“I was thrown in at the deep end as a novice manager at the crucial time of the season,” Grazioli explained.

“I was a player that helped them get into the Football League but would I be the manager when the club went out of it.

“That Port Vale game on the final day was special.

Times Series: Giuliano Grazioli celebrates keeping Barnet in the Football League with a win over Port Vale. Picture: Action Images

"We were effectively relegated the week before against Accrington at half time. We were told we had no chance. That spurred us on.

“They were great days. That day against Port Vale was magical though. I will never forget it.”

Like the Bees supporters Grazioli is disappointed Barnet are leaving Underhill but accepts the club need to move in order to progress.

He hopes the character that Underhill brings to Barnet can be maintained and insisted it is the people involved and those who support the club which "make it special."

He said: “Some of the Premier League stadiums are beautiful but in the lower leagues there is not another club that has something like Barnet.

“That is the character of the club and hopefully that won’t go away because the fans are true football people.

“I know some people are moaning that they won’t go to The Hive but true fans are true fans.

“We are not going to Milton Keynes; we are only going seven miles down the road.”

He added: “Barnet is a people club. You have the chance to speak to the players and management here which is something you don’t get with other clubs.”

The Bees are embroiled in what is becoming their annual League Two relegation battle. The club’s Football League status is again the balance.

It is a situation Grazioli is all too familiar with. But he believes the club are well placed to have a successful future if they can survive this season.

“Hopefully Barnet will stay in the Football League and then they can drive forward with the new stadium.

“The Hive facility is unbelievable. I was fortunate to work there on a daily basis, not many coaches could say that. Things are in place though for a successful future.”