Former Hammer Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen is to undergo what has been described as 'minor heart surgery'.
The 51-year-old, who made 190 appearances for West Ham between 1989 and 1995 is currently enjoying a FOURTH spell as manager of Barnet FC.And earlier today, Allen wrote to supporters of the League Two club - who are currently 12th in the table but just two points off the play-off spots - to explain why he won't be in the dugout for the Bees' next fixture.
"This morning I'm on my way to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for a minor procedure which will keep me out of action for one week," he said. "I've got tightness of the arteries around my heart which simply need clearing. It's simple and straightforward.
"Rossi Eames, James Russell, Carl Muggleton and Luigi Cerullo will look after the players throughout the week along with the senior players who will continue, no doubt, to be model professionals.
"We've got ourselves into a nice little position and we must all march together. There is nothing to fear."
Allen was one of two special guests - alongside former team mate Frank McAvennie - at the KUMB Live Awards show in May 2014. See Martin and Frank talk about another former team mate, Julian Dicks, in the following clip.
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