Allen: Claridge is too much like my other strikers

Martin Allen has no regrets about signing Steve Claridge despite the veteran striker's failure to make an impact at Griffin Park.

Claridge yesterday joined Wycombe on a free transfer after playing only four times for Brentford, without scoring a goal.

Allen, who only signed the 38-year-old from Brighton in December, said: "Unfortunately, this transfer did not work out but I have no regrets.

"As a manager you have to be brave enough to make decisions. If you are indecisive, then you have a problem.

"He became available from Brighton and I was the first in. Steve did not do anything wrong, it was just that he was too similar to the other strikers I already had."

Allen has also released defender Matt Somner, goalkeeper Alan Julian and goalkeeping coach Phil Whitehead.

Ade Bankole, 34, has been recruited from Maidenhead United as the club's new goalkeeping coach and as playing cover for Stuart Nelson.

Brentford have problems for tomorrow's home clash with MK Dons.

Eddie Hutchinson, Chris Hargreaves and Jamie Lawrence have joined Kevin O'Connor and Andy Myers on the injury list and Isaiah Rankin is suspended.