Allen was appointed Cheltenham manager in September 2008

Cheltenham manager Martin Allen has vowed to fight claims that he racially abused a nightclub bouncer in the town.

In a statement via the League Managers Association, Allen said: "A number of false and grossly untrue allegations have recently been made about me.

"I wish to confirm the allegations - including that I made a racial remark - are untrue and deeply hurtful. I will now be taking steps to clear my name."

The 44-year-old has been placed on gardening leave until further notice.

A club statement issued on Monday read: "Martin will not be required to attend work pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations that have been reported."

Following the announcement that Allen had been asked to stay away from Whaddon Road, Gloucestershire Police confirmed that they were looking into the allegations.

"We did not receive any reports of this particular incident on the night it is alleged to have taken place and have not received any reports since," said a police statement.

"However, due to the nature of the allegations now being reported in the media we have taken the decision to look into it further.

"Officers will be in contact with the nightclub to speak to staff in order to establish if any crime has been committed."

Assistant manager John Schofield has been placed in temporary charge of the Robins.

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