Baker breaks silence over Allen saga

CHELTENHAM Town chairman Paul Baker has broken his silence over the future of suspended boss Martin Allen.

But it remains unclear as to when the situation will be resolved.

Allen was placed on 'gardening leave' on October 20 following allegations of racist abuse towards a nightclub bouncer in Cheltenham.

Police this week concluded their investigation and ruled that no action will be taken against Allen in relation to the allegations, which he denies.

But the club's own investigation into the incident is ongoing and Baker is hoping the matter can be resolved as soon as possible.

"The present uncertainty regarding the managerial situation at the football club is clearly of concern to everyone associated with it," he said.

He said that the club had almost finished their investigations: "The club hopes to be in a position to make a further announcement shortly.

"The serious nature of the allegations meant that the investigation had to be very thorough and of necessity a little time consuming.

"The club has always tried to be as open and forthcoming with supporters as possible but there will always be situations where some issues must remain absolutely confidential.

"The directors remain committed to taking the club forward. Without question we are facing difficult times, which is why we are extremely grateful to our supporters for their continued understanding and support."

Assistant manager John Schofield has taken charge of the Robins in Allen's absence, overseeing their last three matches.

Schofield's reign started with a 1-1 draw at Port Vale, but defeats by Crewe Alexandra and Torquay United have followed, leaving Cheltenham without a victory in nine matches and more than two months.

He takes his team to former club Lincoln City tomorrow, desperate to register his first victory in charge.

Schofield is confident Cheltenham's luck will change if the players continue to produce the basic requirements asked of them by the coaching staff.

"I think as soon as we start getting consistent performances, which is the key, then results will come," Schofield said.

"We need to get some consistency and that's what we're looking for now.

"I think if you look at the Port Vale game then it was one where we went behind but we kept believing and they kept doing the things that were asked of them.

"We stuck to the game plan against Torquay and, up until 10 minutes from the end, you would have forgotten that we only had 10 men on the pitch.

"We're not getting the rewards we deserve."

Schofield was hoping to announce his first loan signing as manager this morning, with a winger from the top flight thought to be in his sights.

Schofield sent striker Tom Denton back to parent club Huddersfield earlier this week, but Reading's Australian Under-19 international Oliver Bozanic could be set to return from a knee injury after three months out.