Released Swindon Town midfielder Chris Allen could be handed a League One lifeline after impressing on trial at Exeter City.

The Devizes-born playmaker spent two days in Devon earlier this week following the Robins’ decision not to extend his contract.

Allen, 20, impressed Grecians boss Paul Tisdale with his technical ability and has been invited back for pre-season training in July.

If agreed, the move could see the talented midfielder line up against his boyhood club at the County Ground next season after Exeter’s promotion from League Two.

However, interest has been high in the youngster and it is believed a number of League Two clubs are also monitoring his progress.

Dad Martin, a former Swindon Town youth team coach and now a part-time scout, says he was shocked manager Danny Wilson decided to end his son’s ten-year afiliation with the club and feels he has made a big mistake.

“I suppose I was surprised in a way because I thought he might get another year at least,” he said. “Chris’ time will come when he’s 22 or 23 rather than 20.

“It’s hard for young midfielders to make an impression. As a centre-back, for example, all you have to do is head it and kick it to stand out. Also in that division the ball is in the air so much it can be hard to pass it around.”

Allen Snr`, who left his role developing youngsters at the County Ground in 2006, says the decision, and other worrying training ground tales, has made him question the club’s long-term strategy.

“I’ve got a lot of friends and contacts still at the club,” he said. “It’s a worry when you hear things like centre halves being told to kick it as far as they can towards the corner flag.

“It makes you fear for the kids down there.”