Chairman Tony Kleanthous likened Barnet boss Martin Allen to a girlfriend he could not get rid of after the Bees won the Conference to return to the Football League, stating he has an “open” contract.

Allen, who returned for his fourth stint in charge of Barnet last March, is out of contract this summer and has remained coy when asked whether his future lies at The Hive.

Speaking after the Bees clinched promotion back to the Football League in Allen’s first full season at the helm again, Kleanthous was asked about importance of his manager.

He stated: “We were meant to be really, weren’t we? He is like a girlfriend you can never get rid of. I first employed Martin as a coach when he finished his football career. The trouble is we are never big enough for Martin. Hopefully now we can be big enough for Martin.”

Asked if he would remain at the club beyond his current deal, he replied: “Martin has got an open contract, he just comes and goes when he likes.

“You can’t tie him down – I learnt that a long time ago. We just have a revolving door and we let him come and go when he pleases. As long as when he comes we have a few successes that is good.”

And when Allen was questioned on the subject later in the evening, the former Brentford and Leicester City boss kept his cards close to his chest.

“I promised the chairman I would work the whole season,” he said. “I promised the chairman I would not walk about and leave for other clubs, I promised him I would stay. I was never going to miss it because I knew we were going to be champions.”

“What about my future? I am going to Benidorm on Wednesday and then we will see what happens.

“The trip to Benidorm was organised about three weeks ago to take place on Wednesday. We will do that and then we will sit down the week after that – as I promised all the players – and until that is done nothing will change.”

You can read Tony Kleanthous' thoughts as the Bees won promotion by clicking here. Martin Allen's views on the title win are available here.