Player Profile

Allan signed on as an apprentice for the Town two weeks before his seventeenth birthday, having previously played in the Highland League for Brora Rangers, and he made his debut on September 4th, 1971 - in a 0-0 home draw with Queens Park Rangers. It was another two seasons before Allan became the club's first choice keeper - replacing the legendary Peter Downsborough after his public falling out with manager Les Allen.

A committed Christian, Allan became the first professional player ever to refuse to appear on a Sunday. He consequently lost his place in the side, and he didn't make the number one jersey his own again for over a year, when fellow keeper Jim Barron left the club to coach in the US.

Allan went on to make over 370 league appearances for the Town in all competitions, and it should have been more - his career was brought to an untimely end after a collision with Rochdale's Steve Johnson in a match in October 1983 left him with a shattered left arm.

After a lengthy battle against the injury, Allan was forced to retire, and he was rewarded with a testimonial match versus Chelsea in May 1986. Eventually, he went into coaching, and actually made a couple of appearances in the Western League for Torrington, a full ten years after retiring from the game, and despite only being able to make one-handed saves!

Playing Record

Senior

Reserve and Youth Team Appearances

Note that appearance data for reserve and youth teams may not be complete. Expand for more information.

Career details

Club	Details
Brora Rangers Brora Rangers	(youth)
Swindon Town Swindon	September 24th, 1970 (amateur) July 26th, 1971 (signed professional contract); retired (1985)
Merton Merton
Torrington Torrington	(player-coach)
Shebbear Shebbear	; retired (2000)