• Allen will replace Ronnie Moore, who left post on Wednesday • Development team coach Rossi Eames to take over on interim basis

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Martin Allen has left Barnet to become the new manager of Vanarama National League side Eastleigh, the Sky Bet League Two club has announced.

The Bees revealed that Eastleigh made an approach for the 51-year-old on Wednesday following the departure of Ronnie Moore on the same day due to “personal circumstances”.

Tony Kleanthous, the Barnet chairman, told barnetfc.com: “Martin has asked to be released from his contract so he can join Eastleigh.

“The approach came out of the blue yesterday [Wednesday] but it was quite clear that Martin had decided that he wanted to take the opportunity they were offering to him.

“He leaves with our best wishes having done a great job helping to rebuild the football club after our relegation into the National League.

“Our promotion two years ago was one of my highlights as chairman and I was always aware Martin would be in demand as a result.

Police say 350 people have come forward to report child sex abuse in football Read more

“The club is undergoing many changes. We have made the transition off the field needed for us to progress through the Football League and we must ensure our on-field development matches the facilities we have created.

“Martin’s departure presents us with an opportunity and we intend to appoint somebody who will help develop our younger players and integrate them into our first-team, as well as bringing in players who can play at a higher standard.”

The development team coach Rossi Eames will take charge of the first-team affairs on an interim basis, assisted by the Academy manager Henry Newman.

Moore has been heavily linked with a return to Rotherham, who he has managed in two previous spells, to replace Kenny Jackett. The former Wolverhampton and Millwall manager left his post on Monday after just 39 days in charge.