Malcolm Allison

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Lore & Background

Allison's managerial potential became apparent while in his youth at West Ham United, where he became a reliable defender and acted as a mentor to the younger players including future England World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore. His playing career was cut short in 1958 when he had to have a lung removed because of tuberculosis. He fell ill after a game against Sheffield United on 16 September 1957 and had a lung removed in hospital; that turned out to be his last senior game for West Ham. He later played for non-league Romford in 1963 and briefly for Toronto City FC in May and June 1964 as player-coach.

In Their Own Story

Joe Mercer was named Manchester City manager in July 1965. As ill health had hindered him at Aston Villa, Mercer sought a younger, energetic assistant. He offered the position to Allison, whom he knew from coaching courses at Lilleshall. Allison was due to meet Raich Carter about a position at Middlesbrough, but Mercer arranged a meeting the day before and persuaded Allison to accept. Together they built a team that won the First Division in 1967–68, the FA Cup in 1969, the League Cup and Cup Winners' Cup in 1970. Allison later returned to Manchester City in 1979, given a sizeable war chest by chairman Peter Swales. He controversially sold crowd favourites Peter Barnes and Gary Owen, replacing them with Michael Robinson and Steve Daley – who became the British transfer record at £1,450,000. Daley turned out to be an expensive flop. Allison left a year later in 1980 with City struggling in the league.

Reader's Guide

Allison's managerial career began at non-league Bath City, where he replaced Bob Hewson. He led the club to a third-place finish and an FA Cup third-round tie with Bolton Wanderers. In May 1964 he joined Plymouth Argyle. He became assistant to Joe Mercer at Manchester City in July 1965. The Mercer–Allison era saw City win the First Division in 1967–68, the FA Cup in 1969, the League Cup and Cup Winners' Cup in 1970. Allison turned down an offer to manage Juventus on the understanding that Mercer would move aside, but Mercer refused. Their relationship disintegrated; Mercer was sidelined and quit to take over at Coventry City in summer 1972. Allison was left in sole charge but resigned in March 1973. He then managed Crystal Palace from 31 March 1973, introducing the nickname 'The Eagles' and the red-and-blue striped kit. Palace were relegated twice, but in 1975–76 they reached an FA Cup semi-final. Allison resigned in May 1976. He returned to Manchester City in 1979, given a sizeable war chest by chairman Peter Swales. He sold Peter Barnes and Gary Owen and bought Steve Daley for a British record £1,450,000, but Daley was an expensive flop.

Did You Know?

• Allison deliberately failed the 11-plus exam so he could play football instead of rugby.
• He once encouraged Plymouth Argyle full-back Tony Book to doctor his birth certificate to make him appear two years younger.
• Allison popularized the sweeper system in English football during his time at Crystal Palace, but did not introduce it.
• His trademark fedora hat first appeared during his time at Manchester City in the late 1960s, well before 1975.