Picure: Pinnacle
DAN BRADLEY has apologised to Barnet fans after crossed wires over his living arrangements saw the England C star leave the Bees to re-join Alfreton.
The 23-year-old penned a deal with Martin Allen’s side in May on the back of an outstanding season at the Impact Arena.
But a misunderstanding around whether he would move south permanently prompted the midfielder to ask to leave.
Birmingham-based Bradley told The NLP: “I was under the impression I’d be allowed to stay down there two or three nights a week in a B&B or one of their houses, and on my days off I could come home. I’ve got commitments back here with my house so I couldn’t afford to just up sticks and leave.
“Two or three weeks before pre-season Barnet got in touch and said they expected me to move down there permanently. That’s where the problem started.
“If that was the case either I wouldn’t have signed or I’d have tried to negotiate a deal more suitable. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, I just think it was lack of communication between all of us.
“When all this came up I said to Martin, ‘I think I’ve made a mistake because I can’t come down full-time’. He was really helpful, understanding and tried to do all he could. But in my head it just didn’t seem like it would work.
“At this level you have to make ends meet as well. To go and live down in Barnet, I would have been broke. Having a house here as well as down there just wasn’t financially possible for me.
“I want to apologise to everyone at Barnet and the fans because maybe I rushed into it. As soon as you hear the name Martin Allen, you know of his reputation and the first thing I thought was, ‘Here is my chance to impress someone and climb back up’.
“I did dive into it and maybe made a mistake. For that I apologise to everyone. I felt it was better to admit it now rather than three months down the line with me playing rubbish because I’m not happy.”
The former Aston Villa youngster still harbours ambitions of playing in the Football League. He’s had subsequent offers from Bristol Rovers and Lincoln City but feels going back to Alfreton, where he knows he will enjoy his football, is best for his long-term goals.
“Alfreton didn’t have to take me back so I owe them,” Bradley said. “I’m eating my own words. I may look a fool going back to Alfreton, but I sat down with my family and said, ‘I’ve got the best chance of getting into the Football League and achieving my goals by being happy’.”
