Allen takes the reins at Barnet
March 23, 2011 13:21:40 UK
League Two strugglers Barnet have appointed Martin Allen as their new manger until the end of the current campaign.
The former West Ham and QPR midfielder, known as 'Mad Dog', has been out of work since leaving Cheltenham Town in December 2009.
Allen, 45, began his managerial career with the Bees when they were in the Conference before moving on to Brentford. He has also been in charge at Leicester and MK Dons.
Allen has agreed a contract until the end of the season with the Bees lying second from bottom, three points adrift of safety with eight matches remaining following Tuesday night's defeat at Aldershot.
He replaces Paul Fairclough, who took over as caretaker boss when Mark Stimson was axed on New Year's Day.
Chairman Tony Kleanthous admitted the shock move is "the last throw of the dice" in his club's attempt to beat the drop and the side are now 1.25 shots to be relegated.
Kleanthous added: "It is important that everything possible is done to retain our Football League status and we will support Martin thoroughly in his efforts to turn things round and bring in any new players he feels appropriate.
"We now have to win five or six of our last eight games and everyone is focused on the task ahead."
Allen admitted he jumped at the chance to return to Underhill and vowed to pull off a great escape.
"I got the phone call late last night, so I did not have too much time to think and I met Barnet representatives this morning," he told Sky Sports News.
"It's only for five weeks and we'll see how it goes.
"It looks tough on paper, they've won eight games all season, but I was in this situation before with Brentford and we got out of it.
"We've got to play the leaders, Chesterfield, on Saturday, so it doesn't get much harder than that but whatever happens we'll give it a good go.
"When I got the call it was a no-brainer. We are going to have some fun and we are going to stay up!"
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