By Alex Hoad

Martin Allen is widely expected to be named as the new Gillingham manager on Thursday afternoon.

Reports circulating this morning claimed the former Barnet and Brentford boss was on his way to Kent to be unveiled at a press conference at Priestfield at 4pm.

Allen was in charge at Underhill for a three-game spell at the end of last season and oversaw two wins in that stay, including a final day victory which kept Barnet in the League.

The 46-year-old chalked up almost 200 games for West Ham during his playing career and also spent five years at QPR.

After starting out in management at Barnet in 2003, he has enjoyed spells with Brentford, MK Dons, Cheltenham and Notts County, as well as two further stints at Barnet.

He also spent a short spell in charge at Championship side Leicester in 2007 but left after just four games after falling out with chairman Milan Mandaric.

Gills players were due to return to pre-season training on Thursday but will instead be summoned to the training ground to be briefed about the new manager.

Do you think Martin Allen is the right choice to take charge at Priestfield? Have your say below.