Barnet director of football Paul Fairclough says there are no plans for Mark Marshall to return to the club when his two year drugs ban comes to an end next month.

The 26-year-old has not played since January 14, 2012, after he tested positive for the stimulant methylhexaneamine.

Fairclough claims to have been in frequent contact with Marshall during his ban and felt the winger was interested in a return to the club.

“I was very close to Mark Marshall when he was here,” Fairclough explained. “During the ban I would talk to him on a regular basis and phone him to keep his spirits high.

“Mark always said he would like to come back to Barnet. He indicated that and I think that is one of the reasons he continued to talk to me.”

During his two year spell with the Bees Marshall made 84 appearances for the club. Fairclough said the winger has been able to train with a side since October but he hadn’t been seen at Barnet.

“I phoned Mark but the response I got wasn’t the one I wanted,” Fairclough said.

“It indicated to me, without him actually saying, that he had something bigger and better. That was disappointing because we kept a rapport going. It is a shame.

“So, as it stands, there are no plans for Mark Marshall to come back. I’d like him to because I think there would be a bond and he would have to prove himself.

“But if he has something else lined up then c'est la vie. We will always get other players in.”