Edgar Davids, a former Netherlands international footballer, had a brief but tumultuous tenure as manager of Barnet Football Club in 2013-2014. Here's an overview of his time at the club:
**Arrival and Early Success**
Davids arrived at Barnet in November 2013, with the team on three points from 12 games. He was seen as a breath of fresh air, bringing a new level of enthusiasm and intensity to the team.
**Form Improvement**
Under Davids' management, Barnet's form improved significantly. The team won 25 matches out of 68 games, scoring one goal in 39 games as a player during his time at the club.
**Controversies and Red Cards**
However, Davids' tenure was marred by controversy and red cards. He became known for wearing squad number one, which led to friction with players and fans alike. The team's fans grew frustrated with his lack of commitment to attending away games, leading to tensions between the club and its supporters.
**Departure and Legacy**
Davids' final match as manager came in January 2014, when Barnet lost 2-1 at Chester. He was replaced by Martin Allen just two months later. Despite his controversies, Davids has expressed respect for Kleanthous, who ran the club from 1994 to present.
**Post-Barnet Career**
After leaving Barnet, Davids had a brief stint as manager of Portuguese third-tier side Olhanense in 2021 and served as an assistant coach for the Netherlands national team at the 2022 World Cup.
**Arrival and Early Success**
Davids arrived at Barnet in November 2013, with the team on three points from 12 games. He was seen as a breath of fresh air, bringing a new level of enthusiasm and intensity to the team.
**Form Improvement**
Under Davids' management, Barnet's form improved significantly. The team won 25 matches out of 68 games, scoring one goal in 39 games as a player during his time at the club.
**Controversies and Red Cards**
However, Davids' tenure was marred by controversy and red cards. He became known for wearing squad number one, which led to friction with players and fans alike. The team's fans grew frustrated with his lack of commitment to attending away games, leading to tensions between the club and its supporters.
**Departure and Legacy**
Davids' final match as manager came in January 2014, when Barnet lost 2-1 at Chester. He was replaced by Martin Allen just two months later. Despite his controversies, Davids has expressed respect for Kleanthous, who ran the club from 1994 to present.
**Post-Barnet Career**
After leaving Barnet, Davids had a brief stint as manager of Portuguese third-tier side Olhanense in 2021 and served as an assistant coach for the Netherlands national team at the 2022 World Cup.
i mean idc what number hes wearin but fans r mad cuz he dont show up to away games?? that cant be right, hows a manager sposed to motivate players if he aint even gonna watch them play against other teams?
. Like, he's got this whole 'breath of fresh air' vibe going on, but then players and fans are all up in arms about him wearing squad number one? That's just a distraction from the real issue – what was really goin' on behind the scenes? 
And don't even get me started on that departure... it feels like they wanted him outta there for a reason. Maybe there were some shady business deals goin' down or somethin'? I mean, we all know how corrupt sports can be 
. Anyway, Davids went on to have this other stint as manager in Portugal and helped the Netherlands at the World Cup... but I'm still not buyin' it 
. There's more to that story than meets the eye, if you ask me 
.
and fans are already going through enough with low budgets and stuff. he shoulda kept a low profile for once, you feel? 
anyway i think it's kinda cool that he had some other gigs like olhanense and world cup duties tho 
and honestly it was pretty wild he got so much flak from fans & players alike but i feel him lol his squad number 1 thing tho? 
was lowkey genius I mean who wouldn't wanna be the captain of their own team right? 
anywayz after Barnet he went on to do some cool stuff like manage a Portuguese team and help out with the Netherlands national team 
so yeah Edgar Davids is def a football legend in my book 
. I mean, he did okay at first and got some decent results, but then things just fell apart. Like, what was up with the squad number thing? It sounds like a huge joke to me 
. And poor fans getting frustrated because they didn't get to attend away games... that's not cool 
and squad number one just added to all the drama 
. i mean, he got roasted by the supporters, but at least he showed respect to Kleanthous, which is cool 
. and, tbh, his post-Barnet career has been pretty solid 
, but next thing u know hes wearin squad number 1 like thats gonna bring dem wins or somethin... lol meanwhile fans are dealin with red cards and whatnot. anyway, after his stint there he just kinda disappears for a bit, comes back as manager elsewhere, and then becomes assistant coach... i dunno man, cant really get the hang of it 
.
and yeah I think he had some decent wins as well 
like he came in all fired up and then got taken down by his own stuff 
. anyway, it's funny to see how much of a wild card he was 
back in the day
. Edgar Davids' tenure at Barnet FC was a microcosm of the sport's inherent contradictions - on one hand, he injected fresh energy and enthusiasm into the team, but on the other, his own demons and controversies ultimately led to his downfall 
. Overall, it's a reminder that even in the world of football, where bravado is often on full display, humility and self-awareness can be just as important as tactical acumen 
.