Emotional Allen is ‘never going to forget’ reception from Bees fans

An emotional Martin Allen admitted he had to fight back tears after receiving a reception he will ‘never forget’ on his return to Griffin Park.

Allen’s Eastleigh team were brushed aside 5-1 by a highly focused Brentford side but he said the result did not cast too big a shadow over a memorable afternoon.

“It was very very special. I’ve got to say it’s got to go down as one of the highlights of my career,” said the former Bees boss, who was at the helm during two thrilling years.

“I have kept in touch with a lot of Brentford supporters from the special times I had. You never really know what’s going to happen but it was magical, absolutely magical.

“I had tears in my eyes but I didn’t cry. It’s hard to explain to other people the relationship I had with Brentford people and what happened in those two years. It was quite remarkable.”

Allen continued: “I thought Brentford were excellent. They were too good for us and the better team won. I wasn’t kidding in the week when I said it was unlikely we were going to win.

“Did the result spoil my day? Not in the slightest. I’ve been in the game 40 years and I’ve got to say that reception I got was right up there. I’m never going to forget that am I. Never.

“The people here backed me, they looked after me, they supported me and for me to be able to see them like that today was just magical.”