Michael Gash says the lure of playing in the Football League for the first time in his career was enough to convince him to sign up for the 2015/16 season with Barnet.

The beefy forward made a big impression after signing in January from Kidderminster Harriers on a deal until the end of the season, scoring three times.

And the Bees have this evening announced he will remain with at The Hive for the 2015/16 campaign at least after signing a new deal.

Speaking to the club website, the 28-year-old said: "I have always wanted to play in the Football League and have always felt like I am capable of doing so.

"For some reason on numerous occasions it has never quite happened – whether it was through bids being turned down or losing in the play-offs – so to get that opportunity with a team that I came up with is fantastic."

He continued: "I am over the moon that it is all signed and sealed and can’t wait to get going again in July. I got back from holiday yesterday and I just wanted to come in straight away and sign so now it is all done and dusted I can go away and relax for another week or so and then start doing my own work at home before we come back. 

“I can’t wait to get going again. The manager has signed a new deal and you have got nearly all of the players here from last year who are obviously capable of playing in the league above. 

“It is fantastic and hopefully the fans will have a great buzz with us being back in the League and keep coming week in, week out again.” 

Meanwhile, head coach Martin Allen pinpointed the unlikely moment he decided he wanted to bring the Rinteln-born forward to Barnet.

“I first set eyes on him in a game at Kidderminster that I watched when they played Welling United," explained Allen. "He got substituted and he threw his shirt at the manager in the dugout and I was sat just a few yards behind watching, and it was at that moment that I thought: ‘I would like to sign him.’"

And after the former Cambridge United hitman impressed in 15 outings as the Bees reached the Football League, Allen was only too pleased to extend Gash's stay. 

“I am pleased that the chairman has agreed a new contract with Michael Gash for the season ahead," he said. 

“He had a difficult task of fitting in to our very close group midway through the season but he has adapted extremely well, he has led the line extremely well and he is a far better player than I expected. 

“He has got courage, he has got guts, he has been a model professional and I think that with a full pre-season with us and training through the summer you will see an even better Michael Gash come next season."