LLOYD OWUSU cannot wait to link up with new Cheltenham Town boss Martin Allen for a second time.

Allen, 43, was due to be unveiled as Keith Downing's successor at a press conference today after Downing lost his job following Friday night's 4-1 defeat at Hartlepool United.

Reading-born Allen previously managed Barnet, Brentford, MK Dons and, most recently, Leicester City, who he left in August 2007 after just three months in charge.

Allen signed Owusu for Brentford on a free transfer in the summer of 2005 and the duo enjoyed a successful season at Griffin Park. The striker netted 14 goals as the Bees made the League One play-offs, but he picked up an injury on international duty for Ghana as Allen's side missed out to Swansea City in the semi-finals.

"When I signed for Brentford they were rock bottom, but Martin Allen turned them around," said Owusu, who has scored in his first two appearances for Cheltenham.

"He will instil a lot of belief and he will demand hard work and determination from the players, which I think we need.

"He is a bit different to other managers I have had because I have had the calmness of Steve Coppell and then I have had Allen, who is a go-getter who puts everything in to get the most out of players.

"Luckily for me, I had a great time with him at Brentford and we were on the verge of getting automatic promotion until I got injured.

"He instilled a lot of belief in me and made me the focal point of the team. Hopefully he can get us out of the rut."

During his playing days, Allen was a combative midfielder for QPR, West Ham, Portsmouth and West Ham. His father, Dennis, managed the Robins between 1974 and 1979 and Martin used to watch the club as a small boy.

Nicknamed 'Mad Dog', he was linked with the job when John Ward left last October, but it was given to previous assistant manager Downing.

Allen, seen in the directors' box at the Robins' home clash with Huddersfield Town last Saturday, will take charge for the first time tomorrow evening when they host Bristol Rovers.