Downhill Second Half - An Indifferent, Independent Fans' View Of Barnet FC

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		BISHOP, Neal
Born In Stockton-on-Tees On 07/08/1981			England
	Player		Left: 20/05/2009

Stockton born Neal signed for Barnet on a free transfer from York City in June 2007, having previously worked with then manager Paul Fairclough with the England Non-League XI. Bishop made a superb start to life at Barnet, as the side enjoyed a good early run in the 2007/08 season. The results dropped off, but Bishop’s performances were maintained and he ended his first season at the club already a big fan favourite. However, all was not well; the Northern lad seemed unsettled and handed in a request to leave. Despite rumoured interest though, nothing ever came of this and the 2008/09 season began with Bishop as a Bee. However, maybe ideas of a move away had played on his mind. Like most of the team, Neal had a dismal start to the 2008/09 season. His form picked up after a while and he captained the side on many occasions, taking over the role from Ismail Yakubu in November. He played well, but not to the level he had done the previous season. At the end of the season, Ian Hendon announced he was quietly confident of holding onto his captain. Yet just three weeks after the season’s climax, when Ian Hendon was on holiday in Spain, he received a text from Neal, informing him he’d signed for Notts County. Shortly after County were bought by the Munto Finance Group and apparently exciting times lie ahead there. It will be interesting to see how long Bishop plays a part in their big ‘plan’ to rise up the leagues. His first return to Underhill did not go too well. His side losing 1-0 to Jake Hyde’s last gasp goal and Bishop was subbed after playing badly. Then in the fallout from the game, rose to comments from certain Barnet fans who sent him messages via the social networking site, Facebook. His footballing ability may be reasonable; his credibility with most Barnet fans now is non existent.