EASTLEIGH have moved quickly to replace Ronnie Moore following his shock exit by appointing Barnet‘s conference winning boss Martin Allen.
Allen guided the Bees to the Conference title in the 2014-15 season in his fourth spell in charge of the London club.
They finished 15th in their return to League Two and currently only sit outside the play-off places on goal difference.
However, the offer of taking over at Eastleigh was too good to turn down for the ex-Barnet, MK Dons and Gillingham boss.
Allen, 51, replaces Moore at the Spitfires after the club agreed to terminate the former Hartlepool boss’ contract “due to personal circumstances”.
A poor run of form in the National League has seen them slide down to ninth and they are now eight points adrift of the play-offs.
But the big spending Hampshire club will still be targeting promotion to the Football League and hope Allen is the man to realise that dream.
Barnet chairman Tony Kleanthous said: “Martin has asked to be released from his contract so he can join Eastleigh.
“The approach came out of the blue yesterday but it was quite clear that Martin had decided that he wanted to take the opportunity they were offering to him.
“He leaves with our best wishes having done a great job helping to rebuild the football club after our relegation into the National League.
“Our promotion two years ago was one of my highlights as chairman and I was always aware Martin would be in demand as a result.”
