Thursday 1 December 2016 14:57, UK
Martin Allen has left League Two Barnet to take over as manager at non-league Eastleigh.
Allen returned to Barnet in March 2014 for a fourth spell in charge and led the club out of the National League the following year.
Now the Bees have revealed he is returning to the division to join Eastleigh, who are currently ninth with half the season gone.
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.
"The club is undergoing many changes. We have made the transition off the field needed for us to progress through the Football League and we must ensure our on-field development matches the facilities we have created.
"Martin's departure presents us with an opportunity and we intend to appoint somebody who will help develop our younger players and integrate them into our first-team, as well as bringing in players who can play at a higher standard."
Development coach Rossi Eames has taken Allen's job on an interim basis and is set to pick the team for Saturday's game at Yeovil.
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