Barnet boss Martin Allen admits some of his summer signings need to improve, though he would not name names, but believes those who have stepped up from the Conference have been "superb".

The Bees head coach made eight signings in pre-season and added Aaron McLean once it became clear one of those, striker Kevin Lisbie, would be sidelined with injury for a considerable period of time.

Only Gavin Hoyte and Bira Dembele have been regular starters in the first seven league fixtures whilst Shaun Batt has made just three substitute outings.

Asked how he thought the squad had handled the step-up to League Two, Allen was effusive in his praise.

But he did, however, concede some of those who had joined in the summer had failed to live up to expectations.

He said: "I think it is fair to say some of the players who have joined us have done really well and some of them, I think, need to improve.

"I think that is reasonable and fair. I am not going to name names," added Allen.

Reflecting on the performances of those who were part of last season's title-winning squad, Allen said: "I think they have been superb. 

"I won’t single any individual out but I think they have adapted.

"It is a strong league. I won this league two years ago with Gillingham and it is much stronger now than it was.

"There is much more money in the division and clubs are playing big bucks at this level – it was not like that a couple of years ago, the money has filtered down.

"I think our players have all acquitted themselves very well."