Andy Scott has defended his decision to let skipper Matt Heywood go.
Out-of-contract centre-back Heywood last week joined Grimsby Town on a two-year deal the Bees were unwilling to give him, but despite losing his team's rock at the back and last season's player-of-the-year, Scott is confident it was the right thing to do.
He said: "I was disappointed to lose Matt, but that's football - and we won't be held to ransom.
"To be fair to Matt, he and his agent kept us well informed of the offer from Grimsby.
"We couldn't match it, and wouldn't want to either considering the injury problems he has had these last few years.
"But the two years deal at Grimsby gave Matt the security he's been looking for. And I wish him well there as he's been brilliant for me."
Scott will now up the chase for the other centre-backs he has been keeping an eye on while Heywood's contract negotiations dragged on. He currently only has Karleigh Osborne and Spurs loanee Leigh Mills to play in the position, with an average age of just 20.
Scott said: "You cannot put players of Karleigh and Leigh's age together at centre-back for a whole season and expect to be unscathed.
"I'm looking for somebody who knows what they're doing and has played a fair amount of games to give them some competition and guidance. "The trouble is, every other team is looking for that type of player too. I have spoken to several people,but there is nothing concrete yet.
"What I won't do is panic and go out and buy somebody completely unsuitable. I'll bide my time until the right one comes along.All the players I have brought in so far are excellent, and this one will be too."
