by Luke Cawdell

A Christmas gathering at the Allens is like a who’s who of football and young Charlie is just the latest in a long line of family members to have tasted life as a professional.

Some, like former Tottenham forward Clive Allen, have tasted life at the top of the English game, while others have been forced to quit through injury at a tender age.

For Charlie, pictured, aged 20, he is hoping a move to Gillingham can help nurture his blossoming football career. He played under his father, new Gills boss Martin Allen, last season at Notts County, having gone through his scholarship programme at Dagenham.

"I just hope to get as much experience as I can here and it will help build my experience for the future," said the young midfielder. "I want to play as much as I can, but I know in front of me are the likes of Charlie Lee, Lewis Montrose and Jack Payne."

With his father at the helm, it was an easy decision for Charlie to agree to come to Priestfield, although he knows he will get no favourable treatment.

He tweeted shortly after his arrival at the Gills: "Anyone who fancies having a dig at me about signing there, then you are idiotic. Getting to work with the same staff for another (season) who know me better than any other coach out there is brilliant news."

Others are continuing to follow in the Allen name, with Charlie’s young cousin Harry signing a two-year deal with Sheffield Wednesday this summer and another three cousins playing for different football academies.

"Every Christmas we’re away on a bus somewhere," joked Charlie, when asked about family gatherings. "There is a hoard of us and most of us are playing at different teams as well so family meetings are always interesting!"

Picture: Barry Goodwin