Malcolm Allison
Flamboyant coach who transformed Manchester City alongside Joe Mercer.
Malcolm Alexander Allison (5 September 1927 – 14 October 2010) was an English football player and manager. Nicknamed "Big Mal", he was one of English football's most flamboyant and intriguing characters because of his panache, fedora and cigar, controversies off the pitch and outspoken nature. As a coach, he is remembered for assisting manager Joe Mercer in the transformation of Manchester City. During the 1960s and early 1970s, Allison won four major trophies (First Division 1967–68, FA Cup 1969, League Cup 1970, European Cup Winners' Cup 1970) plus the Charity Shield with Mercer. After Mercer left, he managed the club on two occasions, with his second spell as manager coming in 1979–1980. He also managed several other English clubs including Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough, as well as three in Portugal and the Kuwait national team.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Malcolm Alexander Allison
- Born
- 5 September 1927
- Birthplace
- Dartford, England
- Died
- 14 October 2010
- Place of death
- Trafford, England
- Position
- Centre half
- Total caps
- 289
- Total goals
- 11
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 14 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 1964 as player-coach and briefly for Toronto City FC in May and June 1964 as player-coach.
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 is widely credited with introducing the sweeper system to English football during his time at Crystal Palace.
- His trademark fedora hat first appeared during his time at Manchester City in the late 1960s, well before 1975.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in Manchester City
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