NORTH Leigh chairwoman Sharon Claridge hopes former Oxford United winger Chris Allen’s experience and qualities can turn around their season.

The Millers announced Allen as manager yesterday morning, ending their search to replace another former U’s player, Eddie Odhiambo, who left the club earlier this month.

Allen holds a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in the country, and coaches at Coventry City Under-21s.

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The 50-year-old made more than 150 appearances for United, before moving to Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

During his time with the U’s, he played for England at Under-21 level.

Allen later played for North Leigh, and has previously been involved in a coaching capacity.

He will be in the dugout as the Millers welcome Adderbury Park in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup tonight.

Claridge is hopeful Allen can be the man to change the fortunes of the West Oxfordshire club this season.

She said: “It’s a huge appointment for us – someone with Chris’ credentials, we couldn’t pass up this opportunity.

“The qualifications he’s got stood out by far, and we had some good candidates.

“His work ethic plus he’s very professional, fair, honest and open, which is what you need between the board and the manager.

“I hope Chris can build on what Eddie has done, all the players are excited to play under him and he’ll hopefully lift us out of this slump.

“Going up to step three has been tough, there’s no easy games.

“Last season, we did have those easier games whereas now, every game is a tough one.”

Odhiambo and assistant boss Michael Alexis left the Millers earlier this month.

They led the club to an historic promotion in May, reaching the seventh tier of English football for the first time, after beating Ware 4-2 in the Southern League Division One Central play-off final.

However, the Eynsham Park outfit have struggled so far in Southern League Premier South, sitting bottom of the table and seven points inside the drop zone.

Claridge said she and Allen were united in their long-term vision for the club, regardless of whether the Millers get relegated this season.

“I hope we don’t go down, but if we do, we’ll fight to go back up,” she said.

“You’ve got to look at the bigger picture and be prepared if you unfortunately do go down.

“You’ve got to think long-term, I want someone committed to the longer haul.

“Chris had that in mind – he’s looking long-term, not short-term.”

On making the call to part ways with Odhiambo, Claridge said: “It was a tough decision but I had to think of the club foremost and the long-term results of the club, and things needed to change.”