New Barnet signing Shaun Batt says the Bees should not limit their ambition

The 28-year-old forward became the Bees’ seventh summer addition and their second from Leyton Orient, and believes there is every reason for optimism as Martin Allen’s side prepare for their return to League Two.

After two seasons away Barnet will kick off life back in the 72 with a trip to Batt’s former stomping ground and the 6ft 2in frontman insists the players have not been fixating on beating the drop.

He said: “Since I have been here, I have not heard the word survival mentioned once. I don't think anyone is looking to barely survive in this league and we're looking to do well in this division.

“I don't think we need to set ourselves any limits,” Batt continued. “If you go into a season off the back of a promotion there's no line we can go.

“We are going to attack the first game and go from there.”

And that first game will hold special significance for the former Peterborough United and Millwall attacker, who along with Kevin Lisbie spent two years at Brisbane Road prior to his summer switch.

Both men were left somewhat disillusioned after relegation from League One last season under Fabio Liverani - the O’s fourth manager of a desperate season - but he is relishing the chance to return to E10 so soon after departing.

“I'm raring to go and hope to be up to speed by the time the Orient game comes along,” he stated. “I'm more than certain we'll get the result that we need.”

It was veteran goal-getter Lisbie who put in a good word in for the Harlow-born attacker after he arrived and Batt was flattered by his former and current teammate’s gesture.

Picture: Simon O'Connor

“Lis and I have had a great relationship. I will have to thank him for that one,” he acknowledged. “It is nice when you have a colleague who has good things to say about you.”

Batt has been managed through pre-season with head coach Allen wary of the attacker’s previous with injury. But despite spending limited time on the field, he is equally effusive in his praise of those he will be sharing the dressing room with this season.

“There are a lot of good players here,” enthused Batt. “John Akinde was brilliant last year and I think he will cause defences trouble this season. Lis (Kevin Lisbie) will score a lot of goals this year.

"Stacky (Graham Stack) is great around the place and great with the lads. Curtis (Weston) has impressed me in midfield. He has an engine and is another one I reckon will get a few goals this year.”

Having spent the last five years of his career in London with Millwall and Orient - a short stint on loan at Crawley Town aside - Batt was pleased to be given the chance to remain in the capital once more.

He said: “It is always nice to spend as much time as you can with them. I have not had to move away.

“Signing for Barnet kept me in London so I have been lucky in that respect. I had three or four offers which were quite a way away which would have been hard for me so I was over the moon when Barnet came knocking.”