[Mighty T.A.L.]

Allen rejects rift rumours

Leicester City manager Martin Allen has rubbished speculation of a rift with club chairman Milan Mandaric.

Rumours suggested that Allen and Mandaric had experienced a disagreement over the potential signing of former Charlton forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

The proposed transfer broke down and Hasselbaink has since joined Cardiff, but Allen insists this was his decision because he was not interested in a striker and that Mandaric supported his judgement.

However, it was recently reported that Glenn Roeder was being lined up by the Foxes as a possible managerial replacement for Allen after only one win from Leicester's three opening games of the season.

Allen, though, has dismissed all rumours and insists he and Mandaric have a good working relationship.

"There has been a lot of talk and I don't usually comment on it," Allen told the Leicester Mercury.

Speculation

"But, there has been innuendo, untruths, told which are out of order.

"When you are in the heat of the kitchen, a bigger kitchen than I have been used to, I suppose I will have to accept that this is going to happen, that people will start rumours off and it is just more rubbish.

"People can write what they like, suggest what they like, but on Saturday our stadium will be buzzing for the visit of Watford.

"Speculation never puts a dampener on anything I have ever done at my other clubs.

"Now, with speculation rife, it makes me smile, doesn't make me upset or worried.

"I just love coming to work every day. It doesn't hurt me at all, it just makes me stronger."

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