Gillingham switch not motivated by dad - Charlie Allen

Gillingham's Charlie Allen insists that he moved to Priestfield to further his career, not because his dad is the manager.

Allen, 20, who played under father Martin at Notts County last season, said other staff persuaded him to move.

"It was a no-brainer for me having John Schofield, the assistant manager, come down," he told BBC Radio Kent.

"He developed me so much as a player. You'd be silly to turn down someone who knows you so well."

He added: "James Russell, the fitness coach, was also at Notts County. The staff behind the scenes know me just as well as the current manager.

"It would have been a silly decision to sign somewhere else where you have to start from the basics again."

Allen is one of a number of new faces to arrive in Kent since Martin Allen took over in July.

Ben Strevens, Stuart Nelson, Deon Burton, Tom Flanagan, Myles Weston and Adam Barrett have all moved to Priestfield, signalling Gillingham's intent to gain promotion back to League One after three seasons in League Two.

Allen made his full 90 minute debut in the 3-1 victory against Bradford and came on as a second half substitute against Wycombe.

He is in contention to start against another of his former employers this Saturday when the Gills travel to Dagenham and Redbridge and the midfielder is looking forward to meeting his former manager.

"He [John Still] was the first gaffer to give me my first opportunity - I'm ever so thankful to him for getting me into the game," said Allen.

"It'll be good to go there and show him why he took me on in the first place and hopefully put a smile on his face despite us beating them."