New signing Charlie Allen on the ball for Gills Picture: Peter Still

Charlie Allen was quick to defend himself after being signed by his father Martin.

Allen junior joined Gillingham on a one-year contract last Friday, a year after being signed by his father at Notts County. He was released by County’s current boss Keith Curle this summer.

Upon his arrival at Priestfield, the 20-year-old midfielder tweeted: "Proud to say I am now a Gillingham FC player!! Looking forward to my time at Priestfield to develop as a youngster and push into the 1st eleven.

"And to anyone who fancies having a dig at me about signing, there then you are idiotic. Getting to work with the same staff for another (season) who know me better then any other coach out there is brilliant news."

Football runs in the Allen family. Manager Martin is the cousin of former players Paul Allen, Bradley Allen and Clive Allen, while his father and Charlie’s grandfather played for Reading and Charlton.

Charlie Allen follows a recent trend of sons signing at the Gills. Andy Hessenthaler and Mark Stimson both saw their sons join the Gills youth team while managing the senior side.