Barnet have confirmed the news that loan duo Reece Hall-Johnson and Jermaine Francis have returned to the football club, after being recalled with immediate effect.Â
The duo were out on loan for the remainder of the National League season with Solihull Moors and Braintree Town respectively, but have been immediately recalled by the league leaders ahead of the Easter weekend.
Their recalls were confirmed by their respective loan clubs Solihull & Braintree on social media and the duo will be available with immediate effect for Dean Brennan’s side.
Barnet recall loan duo
Both Hall-Johnson & Francis were loaned out by Barnet after falling out of favour in terms of first-team minutes and had secured loans within the National League system.
Defender Reece Hall-Johnson was secured by Matt Taylor’s Solihull Moors who were targeting right-sided reinforcements following an injury to Marcel Oakley and he helped to bring experience into a young team.
Meanwhile, Jermaine Francis had struggled for minutes since his summer arrival and was shipped out to National League new boys Braintree Town. Here he made a very positive impression as well as playing a key role in pushing the club closer to safety.
However, following an injury to Myles Kenlock and Ryan Glover, the duo have returned to the Bees to ensure they get their foot over the line and secure the National League title before being pipped by York City.
How have they fared this season?
Beginning with defender Reece Hall-Johnson, he has made 12 league appearances this season across spells with Barnet and Solihull Moors and has contributed to one goal in the process. This came during a vital win against promotion-hopefuls Forest Green Rovers in August.
Meanwhile, Jermaine Francis has featured 38 times across all competitions this season for Barnet and Braintree Town. During that time, the 23-year-old has contributed to ten goals and helped the Iron Army to reach the semi-finals of the National League Cup.
Can the duo help to secure Barnet’s title triumph?
With just four league games left to play, Barnet already have one hand on the National League title but a disappointing couple of results has seen York City close the gap to just six points.
With key players Myles Kenlock and Ryan Glover out injured, Hall-Johnson and Francis are likely to add options off the bench but could also be thrown straight into the mix as a result of their match sharpness in the National League.
Hall-Johnson will add a strong defensive presence to try and ensure the club stop leaking goals whilst Francis will add firepower into the final third to try and get Dean Brennan’s side over the line.
The decision will come as a blow to both Solihull Moors and Braintree Town considering both sides aren’t mathematically safe from relegation, but their loss is Barnet’s gained as they continue their quest towards the title.
Barnet fans, what are your thoughts on this news?
