BARNET, relegated from League Two on the last day of the season, have recruited former Aldershot Town defenders Callum Reynolds and Cheye Alexander.

Both were outstanding for Aldershot last season, but asked to leave the club after the Shots’ failure to win promotion through the National League play-offs.

Martin Allen almost guided Barnet to safety after returning to the club for a fifth spell as manager. Barnet won five out of eight matches and beat Chesterfield on the last day, only to go down on goal difference.

Martin left the club and Barnet promptly recruited the vastly experienced John Still. It was Still’s reputation that undoubtedly attracted Reynolds and Alexander, who will face their former club in the National League this coming season.

Reynolds, equally comfortable at centre-back or full-back, was Aldershot’s club captain and made 90 appearances in two seasons for the Shots, having joined from Boreham Wood in July 2016.

The 28-year-old said on the Bees’ website: “I’m extremely happy. It was a crazy week or so before I went on holiday. I had a few phone calls and I’m really happy to get the deal done and I’m looking forward to playing for the club and working with John Still too.

“His reputation speaks for itself. He’s won the league three times and what more can you say. He’s the most successful manager in the league, experienced and also used to be a defender which is key for me, I want to learn from him and that definitely had a big influence.”

Reynold also paid tribute to Aldershot on Twitter: “Thanks you for the last two years of my career. I can’t speak highly enough about the manager and staff. I’ve given everything and enjoyed every minute. How both seasons ended still hurts, but I hope we brought some good times and great football back to the club. Thanks to the fans who follow the team home and away and for giving me my first song.”

• Earlier this month, midfielder Manny Oyeleke, Aldershot’s Player of the Season for 2017/18, joined League Two club Port Vale on a one-year contract.