Reserve defender Simon King has today joined Barnet on a free transfer. King has signed a one year contract with the Conference side in a deal that leaves United desperately short of defensive cover, coming the day after Sam Ricketts joined Telford.

Although only 20 King was the regular captain of the reserves last season and was widely regarded by most who saw him play as a future first team regular. Although he was a bit lacking when it came to getting forward to support the attack, the defensive side of King’s game was very solid and he rarely put a foot wrong. He also had that rare ability (rare for United defenders anyway) of being able to put his foot on the ball and play a decent pass.

Dropping down to Barnet means that he will probably continue playing at a similar level to United’s reserves, which is a shame for King as he needs to progress on to more challenging things. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, he doesn’t fit into Ian Atkins’ future plans and so Rage Online would like to wish Simon adios and good luck.

The pre-season friendlies begin tomorrow with the first team playing Walsall in a behind-closed-doors match at Lilleshall and a mixture of reserves and youth facing Thame United at Windmill Road. Football at last….