Bostik Premier: Dean Barker loved his time at Wingate & Finchley, but is ready for new challenge at Northwood
Dean Barker (centre) looks on alongside Wingate & Finchley manager Keith Rowland (right) and assistant boss Ritchie Graham (left) at Worthing (pic: Martin Addison). - Credit: Archant
The former under-23s boss has thanked Keith Rowland and Aron Sharpe for giving him the opportunity to coach at the Maurice Rebak Stadium last season
Dean Barker is proud of everything Wingate & Finchley accomplished last season and is excited about what is in store at his new club Northwood.
The young coach left his post as the Blues under-23 manager last week to take up the managers role with the Bostik South Central club.
Barker departs the Maurice Rebak Stadium after leading Wingate’s youngsters to the Bostik Development North title as well as the finals of the Champion of Champions Trophy and the Bostik Development League Cup.
After bidding farewell to the north Londoners, the talented coach praised first-team boss Keith Rowland, chairman Aron Sharpe and everyone else at the Bostik Premier outfit.
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“Keith and Aron knew what I wanted to do and this was a year project for me to try and produce some good players for the club and I’ve loved it,” said Barker.
“The first-team had the second best finish in their history and the under-18s reached the first round proper of the FA Youth Cup and played Barnet, which was their best run in 20 years and the under-23s won the league and reached two cup finals.
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“It’s been really good. I’m looking forward to the new challenge, but I have loved being at Wingate & Finchley and I can’t thank Keith, Aron and everyone else at the club enough for the support they have given me this year.”
Barker is currently enjoying a short break from football before returning to the UK later this month ahead of a big campaign with Northwood.
The Woods finished 17th in the Southern League Division One East last season, but will now ply their trade in the Bostik South Central.
Wingate’s former under-23 boss is excited to get going and may look to bring some of his old players to the Watford-based club.
“I will give it a few weeks now and have a rest and then pre-season will soon come round,” added Barker.
“Northwood is a good challenge and maybe some of my under-23 group at Wingate will come with me and maybe some will not, but I’m excited about it and hopefully I can show everyone what we can do at step four.”
