Former Barnet boss Martin Allen has been confirmed as Chesterfield’s new manager this afternoon.

Allen left the Hive last week having returned to the club for the fifth time in March, but despite winning five of his eight games in charge, he couldn’t prevent the Bees from being relegated to the National League.

Ironically, Allen’s last game in the dugout was against Chesterfield, with Barnet running out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from John Akinde, Richard Brindley and Alex Nicholls on the final day of the season.

The Spireites were relegated to the National League alongside Barnet having finished bottom of League Two, meaning they dropped out of the Football League for the first time in 97 years.

It marks a sorry two seasons for the Spireites, who have suffered back-to-back relegations after finishing bottom of League One last season as well.

Allen will be joined at Chesterfield by Adrian Whitbread, who has been named as assistant manager, as well as Carl Muggleton, who takes on the joint role of head of recruitment and goalkeeping coach.

Confirming his departure from Barnet last week, Allen told the club’s website: “A short while ago I had a meeting with the Chairman to let him know that I would not be continuing to manage his and your club.

“It’s been an amazing, unforgettable 8 weeks with all the players and the positive energy and the enthusiasm from all the supporters has been quite overwhelming and I can’t thank you enough.

“The Chairman has offered me a fantastic contract, offered to increase the budget and had done everything he could and no blame what so ever can be put his way. For me, it was 8 weeks and I am happy but of course underneath I’m bitterly disappointed and still very upset that we were unable to retain our position in the Football League.”