Dean Brennan, an unapologetic and often prickly Dubliner, is famous for his undiplomatic ways. He’s arguably the biggest reason behind Barnet’s recent return to English Football League prominence. Brennan is known for his brutal candor. His path to becoming Barnet’s heart and soul is one of tenacity, grit and big ideas. He departed Hemel Hempstead Town after a seven-year reign to take charge at Billericay Town. His time there was short-lived due to financial issues with then-owner Glenn Tamplin. With these choices today, Brennan has truly made a home with Barnet. Pulled together over the past three challenging seasons, he has molded the team with the audacious expectation of reaching 100 points.
Even through his turbulent time at Billericay, Brennan’s determination didn’t falter. His journey from semi-professional to full-time club administrator led him to turn down the chance to be discouraged when warned against taking the job at Barnet.
"Everyone told me to stay away from here. Not one person told me to come here. 'Chairman's a nightmare'. It's this, it's that," Brennan revealed.
Instead, he found an ally in Tony Kleanthous, the club's owner, who has played a crucial role in Brennan's journey.
"I felt the owner was honest. I felt he was straight-talking. He's challenging, there's no doubt about that. We've had a very open, honest relationship and I suppose friendship now," Brennan disclosed.
Brennan's strategic recruitment and man-management skills have attracted interest from League One and League Two clubs over the past two years. He has surrounded himself with a strong support team, including goalkeeping coach Craig Holloway and strength and conditioning coach Liam O'Meara, fostering a cohesive unit at Barnet.
His love for the club can be seen in his continuous search for greatness and development of character within the team.
"That's what I'm looking for in this group, character, and I want our fans to come with us. There's a message for you. Do not edit that. I want that to go out because that's very important," Brennan stated emphatically.
Currently, Brennan is working diligently, pushing himself to receive his UEFA A Licence with the FAI. For a guy that just got hired, his impressive leadership skills have already galvanized everyone in the organization to follow.
"If I didn't turn up today and I left a load of balls and bibs, the players would take the session themselves. That's the focus they have and the leadership they've shown," Brennan noted with pride.
His promises to the present day have rekindled both himself and Kleanthous’s love for the beautiful game.
"I absolutely love what I do," says Brennan. "I wouldn't change it for any job in the world. Barnet has got me to fall back in love with football."
Indeed, Brennan’s impact extends far beyond the pitch. He channels the same competitive spirit and strategic genius that made him a powerhouse football coach into his investment and ownership pursuits. His path is indicative of a maturing trend that combines the old school with the new school.
"We had no Wyscout or anything like that back then. Just debriefing or analysing a game or opposition would take hours and hours and hours. I've changed, I've matured," Brennan shared.
His love for the game radiates, fueling the dreamers and doers around him. Players like Connor Smith have already seen, with the former Dillon prodigy describing Brennan as “a cracking fella.”
Leave a Reply