John Akinde could head the list of player departures from Barnet following the club’s relegation from the Football League.

Boss Martin Allen has confirmed, via the club website, the striker is being made available for transfer after Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Chesterfield was not enough to stop the Bees from dropping into the National League.

The 28-year-old has scored 87 goals in 171 league outings for Barnet and Allen said: “John has been an iconic figure, one of the all-time Barnet greats. He is very, very special but the time has now come for a change of direction and this was a joint decision between myself and the chairman.”

The club will be taking up their options on the contracts of Alex Nicholls and Fumnaya Somotun, while new deals are being offered to Michael Nelson, Curtis Weston and Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro as the Bees prepare to try and bounce back at the first attempt.

Fuad Sule, Wesley Fonguck, Darnell Smith and Ephron Mason-Clark are to be made available for loan, but Charlie Clough will depart the Hive on a free transfer “to give him the chance of getting regular football and playing opportunities. He has been a great help to me behind the scenes despite his frustrations,” Allen said.

Joining the defender in leaving are Craig Ross, Ruben Bover, Jamie Stephens, Justin Amaluzor, Andre Blackman, Shane Cojocarel, Tobi Coker, Tom Day, Jordan Nicholson and Ryan Watson who are not being offered new contracts.

Allen added: “Talks on mine and my staff’s futures are ongoing with further meetings scheduled.”