GILLS APPOINT ALLEN

Martin Allen is the new Gills Manager

Chairman Paul Scally has this afternoon appointed Martin Allen as the new manager of Gillingham FC, succeeding Andy Hessenthaler, who agreed to step down at the end of the 2011-12 campaign.

46-year-old Allen, holder of a UEFA Pro License, was most recently in charge at Barnet, for a third time, steering the Bees to League Two safety on the final day of the season for the second year running.

Martin, who has already had a meeting with the players and coaching staff, has signed a two-year deal.