Guess Who's Back: Fourth Time Lucky

Barnet Football Club have announced that Martin Allen will be returning to the club for a fourth time as Manager to replace the recently departed Edgar Davids. Allen won League 2 with Gillingham last season but was later sacked by the board.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge of helping Barnet return to the Football League," Allen told the club website."I have some fantastic memories of Barnet and when I've returned to the club I've always got a good reception."

Allen's first spell in charge at Barnet, then in non-league, ended in March 2004 when he left the club to join Brentford. After subsequent spells with MK Dons, Leicester and Cheltenham he re-joined the Bees in March 2011. Barnet were battling to stay in League Two and Allen won two of three games in charge but the former QPR and West Ham midfielder took up the vacant post at Notts County in April.

He was sacked by the Magpies in February 2012 and then returned to Barnet for a third spell in charge in early April, replacing Lawrie Sanchez.Once again the then-Underhill outfit were in a relegation battle and Allen guided them to safety with two victories in three games.

"It is nice to have the opportunity," he said. "I spoke to the chairman [Tony Kleanthous] but we have always had a very good relationship and we have always kept 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."


Hi,
Yes, I'm new to the site, this is my first story. I am a big fan of Football Manager and have played it since 2009. I love Barnet FC, I watch every home game and go to some away games. I have never really done much story writing so this is my first go at it so don't be too harsh.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story, and get Barnet back to the Football League and maybe even further!

Good luck mate!

2014-03-30 11:57#166627 Josh_MU : Good luck mate!

Thanks Josh. Hope you enjoy!

Martin Allen has today rallied the troops by telling his players that in order to get out of this division, that they will need to be more attacking than how they played last season.

When Davids took over at Barnet, due them being in such a poor position, when they played higher ranked teams, they would play very defensively but Allen has urged his players to be attacking against all teams and take the game to the opposition.

"Because of how bad Barnet started off last season with Mark Robson, Edgar [Davids] had to play defensive and slow tempo football against the better sides in the league, and when you're in that position, you can't blame him" Allen began.

"But now, we are in a division where I believe we are one of the best teams, and we now need to not be using defensive football. Because if we do that, the opposition will just launch on top of us and tear us to shreds. We'll take the game to them, and put our opposition under pressure and tire them out"

Allen has been questioned about the squad he has inherited, he said the side are good enough to go up without any changes, but when questioned, he said: "Of course, you like to make changes, but I will only bring players in if I feel they are going to feature in our squad every week. Otherwise, it's just pointless"

Barnet have already been linked with a number of players with Football League experience, but also with many who are foreign, as they have been linked with a Spanish full back and French centre back but Allen has urged the Barnet fans by saying: "Don't believe everything you hear. If someone is brought in, you'll be the first to know"

Very good update, wish you luck in your pre-season games!

Good luck with the upcoming season. A good start to the story.

Thanks for all the comments. They are much appreciated.

There will be another update later tonight!

A good start mate and good luck in your mission with Barnet!

Thanks Pompey. Hope you enjoy

A big thank you to AAN for making this banner. It is much appreciated

Author's Notice

Hi there,
I would like to apologise for the lack of updates but I have been busy, I did try to get an update today but my computer kept freezing (currently using Ipad). I will however try to put up a few tomorrow to make up for it.

Thanks for your continued support,
Barnet_Boyz

For a first story, this is a quality start. Keep it up.

Thanks Walter. Much appreciated!