Davids at Barnet: From Star Player to Leading Manager and Number One Captain
Title: Edgar Davids’ Departure from Barnet: A Complex Tale of Commitment and Career Choices
In a period marked by confusion and mixed dedication, Edgar Davids’ tenure at Barnet came to an unexpected halt. Agreed terms allowed him to skip certain away games that involved extensive travel, and rumors circulated regarding his absence at some of these matches. While some accused Davids of skipping games for leisurely pursuits, his former colleague Landvreugd refuted these claims, insisting that Davids was busy in Amsterdam managing his clothing business.
Leadership and Accountability Issues
During Davids’ frequent absences, the club saw Landvreugd and Schreuder step up to manage team affairs. The lack of clarity and consistency in leadership created unrest among the players, as Fairclough pointed out. With confusion over management roles, the team struggled to keep their focus and morale high. Hyde narrated an incident that illustrated Davids’ unpredictability, noting how he abandoned an away trip upon learning of the lengthy travel time.
Breaking Point: The Chester Game
As Davids missed more matches, fan frustration mounted. His failure to commit fully to attending every game led to a crucial conversation with club chairman Tony Kleanthous, culminating in Davids’ departure. The situation reached a turning point before a game against Chester on January 18, 2014. According to Davids’ representatives, an incident at that time proved to be the final straw leading to his exit.
Reflecting on Davids’ Contributions
The announcement of Davids’ exit followed a 2-1 defeat to Chester, leaving Barnet in 10th place. Despite the challenges, Kleanthous acknowledged Davids’ initial vigor and his eventual loss of interest. Hyde expressed concern over the impact of Davids’ absences on the team’s performance, whereas, Kleanthous fondly remembered Davids’ time at the club, recognizing his dedication and hard work despite unfortunate outcomes.
New Management and Future Endeavors
Following Davids’ departure, Landvreugd and Schreuder were appointed as joint-managers. However, their tenure was short-lived, and Martin Allen soon replaced them. Edgar Davids’ subsequent managerial role at Portuguese third-tier team Olhanense lasted for six months in 2021. Additionally, he served as an assistant manager for the Netherlands during the 2022 World Cup.
Davids remains connected to Barnet and its chairman, Kleanthous, signaling his ongoing support for the club he once managed. As his representative shared, Davids continues to wish Barnet the best and follows the team with interest.
