MOST managers get a pretty hostile reaction from supporters when they decide to up sticks for a new club.
But in Barnet, patience with Martin Allen seems almost limitless.
The 51-year-old has opted to leave the Bees for a new challenge for the fourth time.
Allen will drop down a league to take the reins at National League big spenders Eastleigh.
He leaves Barnet 8th in League 2, just one place outside the playoffs on goal difference.
If anything, guiding Eastleigh to the National League playoffs in his new role will be a far tougher task, with the side sitting eight points behind fifth place Dover Athletic having played a game more.
Allen left the Bees for Brentford in 2004, Notts County in 2011 and Gillingham in 2012, before his latest move from the Hive Stadium to Hampshire.
But despite his consistent lack of loyalty, Barnet chairman Tony Kleanthous had nothing but praise for the outgoing boss.
He 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.”
Kleanthous identified the 2015 Conference title as a particular highlight of Allen’s fourth spell in charge.
He added: “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.”
Eastleigh began their search for a new manager less than 24 hours ago when Ronnie Moore resigned citing ‘personal circumstances over the past few weeks’.
Barnet moved from Underhill to The Hive Stadium in 2013, four years after Trevor Brooking and Fabio Capello opened a new training ground and Centre of Excellence on the site.
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