Football managers are always busy throughout the summer - but new Barnet boss Mark Stimson is likely to be busier than most.

With the club having released 15 players at the end of last season, and with just a handful remaining on the books, 42-year-old Stimson certainly has his work cut out to mould a squad capable of avoiding another League Two relegation scrap.

Contract negotiations are ongoing with some of those released, including star striker John O'Flynn, but the former Gillingham boss is relishing the prospect of uncovering more talent during the close season.

He said: “It is a great part of the job going out and trying to hand-pick the players I want, rather than taking on a group of players who, after a week or two, I can see won't really figure in my plans.

“It is what I did at Grays (Athletic) and if I can do half as well as I did there, then I think the people of Barnet will be happy."

Stimson has already started that search and he has already made offers to three prospective players - a wide man and two central midfielders.

“It takes time," he added. "We're building a new squad. We are going to be bringing players into the squad who have possibly not been given the opportunity yet at league level, or some players from league clubs who feel they have not had a fair crack at the whip.

“We'll give them a chance to shine here. But whoever comes into the club first and foremost will have a place of pride to play for Barnet, and hopefully play a certain way that all the supporters will enjoy."