John Akinde says Martin Allen is just what he needed after firing the Bees to the Conference title with the best haul of his career but denies he felt under pressure to deliver goals.

Akinde’s 31 league strikes mean he has also won the Conference Golden Boot – Forest Green Rovers’ John Parkin has 25 goals but the play-offs do not count – marking an incredible season for the former Bristol City hitman.

The powerful number nine scored 18 times in the league for Alfreton Town last season before being brought to The Hive in the summer by Allen and credited the Bees head coach for his goal-laden season.

He said: “I have come in and Martin Allen has been unbelievable. I think for me personally, he has been great; he has been what I needed and in the past I have not played enough.

“I have come in and he has promised me that and given me that. For that I thank him. Hopefully I have repaid his confidence in me this season and I really do appreciate what he has done for me.”

Akinde added: “He's been hard on me at times but he's believed in me. It's something I needed and he's been a great leader. He did it with Gillingham a couple of seasons ago. He's kept calm and his experience has been unbelievable.”

After netting three in his first ten appearances, Akinde scored a hat-trick – the first of three in the season – in the 5-0 demolition of Altrincham and never looked back, hitting 24 goals in his next 33 games.

But the beefy forward denies he ever felt under increasing pressure, despite becoming a marked man the further the season went on.

“[No, I’ve] not really [felt any additional pressure as the season has gone on],” stated Akinde.

“(Alfreton manager) Nicky Law last year gave me a great opportunity to get playing again. I was not playing enough in the league. I did well there, I felt.

“I came here and I have always felt we would do well. We have quality players and they have provided me with opportunities and thank God I have scored some goals.”

And having previously scored 11 goals in 74 appearances in the Football League, Akinde is keen to prove he can replicate his astounding form at a higher level after previously struggling.

The 25-year-old enthused: “I want to build on this year. The boys behind me provide me with great service. Without the defence we wouldn't be anything. I'm sure I can with these boys behind me with the quality the manager will bring in.”

He added: “Definitely [we are excited for next season] Barnet are where they should be, back in the league, they have been there for a long time and it has been great to score the goals.

“But I have done it with the team; the defence and the midfield, we have all done it as a team and they have created for me which has been great. Hopefully we just kick on from here and with the quality we have, I am sure we will.”