Barnet Football Club are delighted to announce that Martin Allen has returned to the club as head-coach until the end of the 2014/15 season.

The former West Ham United midfielder will begin his fourth spell in charge of the club at The Hive on Saturday when the Bees entertain Hereford United. 

Allen’s last spell in management came with Gillingham and it was undoubtedly a successful one as he led them to the 2012/13 League Two title to secure the Gills first championship for 49-years.

His playing career saw him make over 100 league appearances for Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United which was followed by spells with Portsmouth and Southend United. 

The 48-year-old began his managerial career at Underhill in March 2003 in the Conference Premier building a team that Paul Fairclough would take into the play-offs after Allen departed for Brentford.

Allen saved Brentford from relegation to the third division before leading the Bees to two play-off campaigns which ended in defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City.

Spells with Milton Keynes Dons, Leicester City and Cheltenham Town followed before a return to Barnet in March 2011 for three games during which the Bees were unbeaten.

After a spell with Notts County Allen returned to Underhill for his third spell with the Bees and he guided them to safety on the final day of the 2011/12 season securing a 2-1 win over Burton Albion.

Martin’s knowledge of the club and the league is invaluable and at a time when results are of paramount importance the club believe he is the right man to lead the Bees moving forward.

Speaking to BarnetFC.com Allen revealed his excitement at being back the club whilst thanking Chairman Tony Kleanthous for giving the opportunity to return.  

“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.” 

He added: “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.”

Everybody at the club would like to wish Martin the best of luck and we hope you get behind him and the Bees this weekend when Hereford United come to The Hive.