MARTIN ALLEN is back at Barnet for a fourth spell as manager of the play-off hunting Bees, who have lost their last four games.
Allen’s first spell at Barnet began in the Conference in 2003 before he left for Brentford, who he saved from relegation to Division Three.
He led Brentford to the play-offs where they were beaten twice by Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea before moving on to have spells in charge of MK Dons, Leicester and Cheltenham Town.
After a brief three-game return as boss of the Bees in March 2011, he went on to manage Notts County before a third spell at Barnet in which he saved them from relegation to Non-League in 2012.
His most recent managerial job was at Gillingham but after leading the Gills to the League Two title, he was sacked in October after just two wins in 11 League One games.
Speaking on his return to the Bees Allen, 48, said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of helping Barnet return to the Football League.
“It will be great to get back onto the training pitch and work with the players ahead of Saturday’s game because I have some fantastic memories of Barnet and when I’ve returned to the club I’ve always got a good reception.
“I only got the call this morning so I haven’t had too much time to think about the game but it is nice to have the opportunity. I spoke to the chairman earlier today but we have always had a very good relationship and we have always keep in touch.
“When Gillingham were promoted he was one of the first people to call and congratulate me and likewise when Barnet were relegated I was the first on the phone to him. It will be great to work with him again at The Hive which is such a fantastic facility.”
