Martin Allen

Role: Manager

Date Of Birth: 14th August 1965

Appointed: 21st June 2006

Left role: 25th May 2007

Martin Allen was born in Reading on 14 August 1965. He enjoyed a successful playing career as a midfielder, making more than 100 appearances for both Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United. He later played for Portsmouth and Southend United before bringing his playing career to an end in 1998.

Five years later, in March 2003, Allen began his managerial career with Conference side Barnet. He left the club the following year to replace Wally Downes as manager of Second Division side Brentford in March 2004.

Allen made an immediate impact at Brentford, guiding the club away from relegation during the remainder of the 2003–04 season. He then led them to the play-offs in both the 2004–05 and 2005–06 seasons, finishing fourth and third respectively.

Allen subsequently dropped down a division to take charge of Milton Keynes Dons for the 2006–07 League Two season. He guided the Dons to the play-offs, but their promotion hopes ended in the semi-finals with defeat to Shrewsbury Town.

In May 2007, Allen was appointed manager of Championship side Leicester City after the club reached a compensation agreement with Milton Keynes Dons.