Allen’s tenure at Eastleigh ends less than three months after leaving Barnet

By Adam Ellis

Non-league Eastleigh have sacked manager Martin Allen after 14 games in charge of the National League side.

The 51-year-old resigned at Barnet last December in order to take up the post at the Hampshire club, despite play-off contention seeming a possibility for the Bees a mere 16 months after their return to the EFL pyramid.

The Spitfires have held play-off ambitions of their own since gaining promotion to the National League two years ago.

With owner Stewart Donald bolstering resources to bankroll moves for Reda Johnson, Matt Tubbs and Lee Cook over the past two seasons.

But after Tuesday evening’s 1-0 defeat to Macclesfield saw them drift further away from the play-offs, Allen has been relieved of his duties.

A club statement confirmed: “Eastleigh Football Club can today confirm that following the club’s home reverse (defeat) to Macclesfield Town on Tuesday evening, a resultant meeting with first team manager Martin Allen has this morning seen his contract terminated with immediate effect.

“The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Martin for his efforts during his time with the club and wish him well for the future.”

December’s exit was the third time Allen had left Barnet to accept an offer from another club, having previously managed at Brentford and Notts County.