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From Edgar to Ebbsfleet: Allen focuses on future

With latest signing Iffy Allen providing further width and attacking intent to the new-look Fleet squad, the outgoing Maidstone winger is quick to point out that the players around him are adaptable too.

“The attacking width in the squad will suit my game,” said Allen after his signing for the club. “There’s a lot of attacking players. We’ve not spoken about the intended formation just yet but going by what I’ve seen there’s a lot of width so whatever we play, it’s on the front foot. A lot of the players signed look like they’ll be able to adapt to suit that. I’ve played with Adam Mekki at Bromley and I know a few others, too.”

“It’s all about getting those balls into the box. I’d like to think my strengths are speed, I’m skilful and the aim is to score goals, too.”

Having spent time in Kent with Bromley and Maidstone United, the Fleet are no strangers to Allen as he embarks on a second season in the National League South.

“I know the club, it’s not far from where I’m from in South London and I’ve played here for Bromley,” he said. “The last season for Ebbsfleet was unfortunate and now they’re trying to bounce straight back up to where they should be.

“I played National League for about four years and in the South there isn’t really a difference. Players are still sharp, quick and it’s definitely still a very good standard. There are a lot of strong sides and always a surprise package but you can only focus on what your squad is all about, not what everyone else is doing. On the day, you just have to be better than them.”

With a return to the Gallagher Stadium on the cards at some point in 2020/21, Allen’s not worrying too much about crossing swords with his former club.

“Yeah, I’m sure that will be something to enjoy but it’s football,” he said. “That’s what it’s about. I’ve played in front of big crowds at lots of clubs and you just get on with it for your team and the fans.”

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images

As a teenager, the winger made a dream debut alongside the renowned Edgar Davids for Barnet but he prefers to look forward than back despite that auspicious start to his career.

“It was definitely an experience,” he recalled. “I remember when I was young playing FIFA and Edgar Davids is on the front cover. You know when you just can’t believe something like that is happening to you. So that was definitely a big highlight in my life. And after that then scoring my first professional goal and making my league debut… but for me every game is special and has a special moment so I like to look ahead to the next one.”

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