Martin Allen
| Nationality: | English |
| Date of Birth: | 00/00/0000 |
Biography: Martin Allen was appointed as the new manager of Brentford on March 18th 2004 shortly after Wally Downes was dismissed.
Allen had been managing Conference side Barnet but jumped at the opportunity to take charge of The Bees after former manager Steve Perryman, now director of football at Exeter City, declined their offer to succeed Downes.
Brentford director John McGlashan explained: "I spoke to Steve Perryman on Saturday night and asked him if he would be interested in the job. I asked him to give me a yes' or no' answer and he said no'. We also considered Weymouth manager Steve Claridge, Woking boss Glenn Cockerill, a former Brentford midfielder, ex-QPR chief Gerry Francis and ex-Southampton manager Stuart Gray, but Martin Allen was strongly recommended to us by people in the game.
"I contacted his chairman on Tuesday and when he spoke to Martin he said he wanted to talk to us. We spoke to Martin on Wednesday and he fitted the bill. He is fully aware of our financial situation and has been working under severe financial restrictions at Barnet."
The former QPR, West Ham and Portsmouth midfielder was at the helm for Brentford's home league game against Rushden and Diamonds, which The Bees won 3-2. And he enjoyed success in his second game in charge with a 2-1 win at play-off hopefuls Hartlepool.
Martin, who was appointed to his first league management post aged 38, is a member of the famous Allen footballing dynasty, and had work previously as assistant boss at Reading and then Barnet, before taking charge of the non-league outfit.
As a player he began his career with Queens Park Rangers, signing professional in 1983 and spending six years at Loftus Road before a £670,000 move to West Ham.
Martin stayed with the Hammers until 1996 when he made a £500,000 switch to Portsmouth after a successful loan spell at Fratton Park. After three frustrating years with Pompey, which took in a brief loan stint at Southend, he hung up his boots and began a coaching career.
Following a successful start to his managerial tenure at Brentford, he will be hoping to continue in a similar vein to lift the club clear of danger in Division Two and look to a brighter future at Griffin Park.
Stephen Hunt: Everything is done and dusted - 18/06/2005
Stephen's interviewed by the Reading press after completing his move to the Royals. More |
Stephen Hunt: Todd is fuming over Hunt decision - 08/06/2005
As Hunty signs for Reading and is reunited with mentor Steve Coppell, he has genuine sorrow for turning down Bradford and hopes that all connected with the Yorkshire club will understand his decision. More |
Stephen Hunt: Hunt handed lifeline - 24/05/2005
Reports from Brentford that Martin Allen will welcome back Hunty if he fails to find a new club. However if media reports are to be believed, a number of clubs are showing interest. More |
Stephen Hunt: Hunt sabotaged by groin problem - 06/11/2004
Raoul Simons of the Evening Standard reports on the latest injury setback for Hunty. More |
Stephen Hunt: Sky Blues hunt for Steve - 14/09/2004
Eleven-a-side.com reports on Peter Reid's re-newed interest in Steve after his return to Brentford's first team and news that Martin Allen can't afford to keep the player. More |
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