Edgar Davids at Barnet: The Dutch Legend’s Unlikely Managerial Adventure
Edgar Davids at Barnet remains one of football’s most bizarre chapters, as the Dutch icon joined the League Two strugglers as player-head coach on October 12, 2012. At 39, fresh from Tottenham and Ajax, Davids skipped away games and took the number one shirt, leading Barnet to relegation with a record 51 points—the highest ever for a relegated side. His 15-month stint, ending in January 2014, saw five red cards, a bush argument with fans, and a Conference demotion. This Edgar Davids at Barnet tale, recounted by chairman Anthony Kleanthous and players like Jake Hyde, blends brilliance, chaos, and legacy.
Edgar Davids at Barnet was improbable: a Champions League winner coaching a bottom-table team. His impact, from ABA titles to Conference survival, endures.
Davids’ Unlikely Arrival
Edgar Davids at Barnet started with coaching badges. “He needed experience at a mainstream club,” Kleanthous said. In 2012, Barnet had one win in 13 under Mark Robson, five points from safety. Davids, 74-capped Dutchman with Ajax, Juventus, and Inter titles, joined as joint-head coach with Robson, signing as a player too.
Hyde recalled rumors: “No way he’s managing.” Davids arrived October 12, 2012, skipping some aways for Sunday League. “He loved playing,” Hyde said. Edgar Davids at Barnet was surreal—a superstar in League Two.
Dual Role and Early Impact
Edgar Davids at Barnet saw him captain and manage. His debut, a 4-1 Plymouth loss, was followed by a 4-0 Northampton win, where he starred. “He rolled back the years,” director Paul Fairclough said. Davids demanded “Sir” or “Mister,” fining casual address—a Italian habit.
Training was intense. “He celebrated every goal like the Champions League,” Hyde said. Edgar Davids at Barnet unified the squad: “We rallied against him,” Hyde noted, improving dramatically.
Robson’s Exit and Davids Takes Charge
Edgar Davids at Barnet turned chaotic. As joint-boss with Robson, tensions rose. “Two captains on one ship,” assistant Ulrich Landvreugd said. Davids confronted Kleanthous: “It’s Mark or us.” On December 28, 2012, Davids became sole head coach, with Landvreugd and Dick Schreuder assisting.
Barnet, three points from safety, rallied. Edgar Davids at Barnet saw 51 points from 20 wins in 46 games—the highest relegation tally. “No one’s gone down with 50,” Kleanthous said. Davids delivered, but relegation came on May 3, 2013.
Conference Struggles and Red Cards
Edgar Davids at Barnet continued in the Conference. Part-time, he missed aways for business, frustrating players. “We didn’t know who was in charge,” Fairclough said. Davids took number one, a goalkeeper’s shirt, waving a “red rag” to rivals.
Five red cards, including three in the Conference, marked Edgar Davids at Barnet. Opposition provoked him: “Elbow him for a reaction,” coaches said. On January 18, 2014, Davids walked off a five-hour coach trip to Chester, the final straw.
Legacy of Edgar Davids at Barnet
Edgar Davids at Barnet left a mixed legacy. Kleanthous said, “If we stayed up, we’d have promoted.” Fans cherished his commitment—no salary, full effort. “He made us above-average,” Fairclough said.
Landvreugd, now Den Bosch manager, said, “We did a hell of a job.” Hyde credited Davids for his career boost. Edgar Davids at Barnet, from ABA to Conference, remains cherished.
Looking Ahead: Davids’ Influence
Edgar Davids at Barnet ended January 18, 2014. He later managed Curacao and oversaw Ajax’s youth. His Barnet stint, 15 months of chaos and progress, inspires. “He’s a legend,” Kleanthous said.
In conclusion, Edgar Davids at Barnet, from October 12, 2012, to January 18, 2014, was football’s oddest tale. His player-coach role, 51-point relegation, and red cards defined it. Edgar Davids at Barnet legacy is resilience, proving superstars can thrive anywhere.
