MARTIN ALLEN makes his return to the Barnet technical area to kick off his fourth spell in charge tomorrow, telling the Bees they need to get on a relentless run to make the Skrill Premier play-offs.
Chairman Tony Kleanthous called on the 48-year-old former Brentford, Notts County and Gillingham manager again after Tuesday’s defeat at Macclesfield made it four straight losses under Dutch coaches Uli Landvreugd and Dick Schreuder.
The Bees had started the campaign under the guidance of head coach Edgar Davids, who left in January, and currently sit in ninth position, but just one point outside the play-offs.
The NLP caught up with him this morning and asked if he had thought about potentially leading a side out at Wembley for the first time.
Allen replied: “The only ambition I’ve got as I drive in on this Friday morning is to play this game against Hereford. There are 24 points available in these eight games and we’ve got to get as many points on the board as quickly as possible.
“We are not favourites to get in there, there is no doubt about that. Other clubs are in a much better position than what we are, so we can’t afford to drop hardly any points.
“It’s got to be full-on all the way through for these eight games, and then see what happens.”
Struggling Hereford have also had a change of manager this week, and Peter Beadle – the youth team manager who has stepped up to replace the departed Martin Foyle – played for Allen in his first spell as Barnet boss a decade ago.
“Peter is a great guy, he’s had a good career and I’m delighted he’s got that job,” said Allen. “He deserves a break. He’s worked his nuts off over the years to get an opportunity. He’s a real character, a leader and he’s got great football knowledge.”
*BUY SUNDAY’S NON-LEAGUE PAPER FOR MORE EXCLUSIVE MARTIN ALLEN QUOTES AND STAR MATCH REPORT ON HIS SIDE’S SKRILL PREMIER CLASH WITH HEREFORD UNITED
