Sam Beard re-joined the Sports permanently in December 2023.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a loan spell at Priory Lane earlier in the season, making seven appearances and scoring a memorable goal against Weston-super-Mare. He was then recalled early by his parent club, where he produced a man-of-the-match performance the following day against Dorking Wanderers live on BT Sport.

Beard was a virtual ever-present for Barnet last term as they finished in the National League play-off places, making 42 appearances to take his tally to 78 across all competitions for Dean Brennan’s side.

Before joining Barnet in the summer of 2021, Beard played a critical role in Dorking Wanderers’ rise through the non-league pyramid, winning two promotions in his five seasons at Meadowbank.

He also helped them into the National League South play-offs during the 2019/20 season, before being a part of the side that was top of the league in the 2020/21 campaign before it was declared null and void.