After A Big Summer, Jack Wants An Even Bigger Bees Season

After a nine-month slog of a season, most of us would be straight on a plane to spend a week or two in the sun without a care in the world.

Barnet midfielder Jack Taylor also took a trip. He headed for Provence in the Southern France – but he wasn’t there to feel the sand between his toes. He had a much more important assignment.

After establishing himself as a Bees regular, Ireland U21 boss Stephen Kenny came calling as he pondered his squad for the upcoming Toulon Tournament.

“To get called up was a big accomplishment for me,” Taylor told us ahead of Barnet’s clash with Notts County, live on BT Sport.

“It’s not something you see a lot in the National League, so it was great recognition for me. Playing international football gives you a completely different experience so it’s something I can learn from.

“It was something to bring back with me to help Barnet in what is an important season for the club.”

The 21-year-old made an instant impact, scoring twice on his debut against the Irish senior squad before making his competitive bow against Bahrain.

And after helping his national side to a fourth-placed finish in the tournament, he’s hoping to inspire Barnet to a similar fate this season.

“Nothing but promotion is on our minds,” he said. “The gaffer has said it a number of times because that’s what we believe we can achieve.

“With the talent and experience we’ve got in the side, it should be something we’re going for,” he added.

“Last season was up and down – obviously in the league we didn’t do as we would’ve hoped but the FA Cup run was great for everyone and we want more big games like that for sure.

“We didn’t win for the first five games last season and then we won five on the bounce. It was like that for most of the season.

“But we’ve been playing well through pre-season so we’re confident.”

After the first two games, Darren Currie’s men have impressed. Beating Yeovil last weekend was the perfect way to kick things of, quickly followed by a point on the road at Sutton.

“We knew Yeovil would be one of the better teams in the league so beating the was a good way to start the new season,” he said ahead of the live game.

“We should’ve won on Tuesday night [against Sutton] but when you look back, a point on the road is never a bad point.”

Despite being one of the youngest members of Currie’s squad, Taylor is closing in on 100 appearances in a Bees shirt – but he isn’t taking it for granted.

He added: “I’ve got a lot of games under my belt when you consider how old I am. The experience I have, added to my international experience all helps.

“But I want to score more this season. I hit five last year but this time I’m aiming for double figures.”