The Official Barnet FC Supporters Association, formed 13 months ago, has disbanded.

Several of its members are likely to join the unofficial Barnet Supporters' Association, which will hold its annual meeting at the British Legion Club, Moxom Street, Barnet, tonight, at 8pm.

Terry Hufford, chairman of the official association, said: "When representatives of the two organisations met with club chairman Tony Kleanthous in March, it was agreed that we should pool our resources.

"The united action by supporters was in the best interest of the fans and the football club.

"But we are winding down our operation. The club has decided to revive the Bees' membership scheme for the coming season and we would not be funded from it. That would undermine our situation."

Mr Hufford added that two key officers of the association had left, namely secretary Barry Dakin and treasurer Grahame Poulton.

When the official association was formed, Kleanthous set up the scheme in which the fans, who paid £15 to join, received certain concessions on ground admission and discounts on merchandise.

Membership grew to over 700 and the association's funds swelled to over £8,000.

Despite a loss of £1,544 on coach travel, the association had an operating surplus of £5,675 for the period ending April 30.

"We are making a donation of £5,000 to the football club towards the cost of the changes to the entrance to the social club at Underhill, and £150 to the KBA (Keep Barnet Alive) campaign," said Hufford.

July 10, 2002 16:00