Simeon Akinola has left Braintree Town after signing for League Two side Barnet.

Akinola has been at the Iron for two years and has made 118 appearances but has now decided to make the step into the Football League.

Having been bought to Braintree by former boss Alan Devonshire, from Harrow Borough, Akinola has gone on to score 22 goals for the club with the latest two of those coming in the 3-2 Boxing Day win against Dagenham and Redbridge.

Chairman Lee Harding said: "Sim has had a remarkable two years with our Club and goes into the full time game with our blessing and our best wishes.

"A fine example for many aspiring youngsters to follow, we have every belief that Sim will go on to great things in the game.

"It is perhaps fitting that he signed off his time at Braintree with our winner against Dagenham on Boxing Day.
"From a business viewpoint, we are all aware that Sim will be a free agent in May and would, I'm sure, have received many offers.

"That said, we were not looking to sell one of our better players, but Barnet were quite persistent with their interest and, when the fee was agreed, we felt it was right for both the Club and Sim to discuss the possibility of going full time."

Barnet have said the fee they have paid is £40,000.

Harding said the money that the club receive from the sale of the 24-year-old will be made available to Iron manager Hakan Hayrettin to strengthen his squad in the New Year.


The chairman added: ""The proceeds of the move will now be used to help manager Hakan develop our squad and help the Club with our primary aim of consolidating our place in the National League."