ALLAN, William (1928)

Overview

Son of a builder in Strathaven, “Puggy” , as he was better known, worked in the family business as well as having a long stay in football. Another who joined Accies from the ranks of Burnbank Athletic where he had been capped at International level on four occasions as well as representing Lanarkshire Juniors in his position of right back.

In his first Accies match he was one of five new faces brought in, he was an ever present that year and he was the only one of the five, who was with the club any longer than two seasons. On his debut he was a little disappointing but he soon made amends for that and before a month had passed he was showing the form which had brought him accolades as a junior player.

A feature of his game was his powerful clearances. He was one of the most easily recognised players in the senior game as he wore a skull cap. A tenacious character who never knew when he was beaten and he was a valuable servant to Accies. He was mentioned several times for a Scottish cap, the nearest he came when he was selected as reserve for the match against France in May 1932.

When he left Accies to join Motherwell, it was under a bit of a cloud as he had been haggling with the club over terms and had requested a transfer. This was at the commencement of the 1933-34 season though he did eventually resign and get back into the side, however soon after, in December 1933, came his move to Fir Park. By 1936 he no longer was in the first team plans there and he found himself looking for another employer.

At the start of season 1936-37 he took part in Dalbeattie Star’s pre season match before in September being signed by Partick Thistle. He then gave up the game to follow a career in insurance, however he was enticed back to appear for Bo’ness in 1938.

Closed his playing career with Albion Rovers in their reserve side before deciding to retire when war broke out in 1939 following being freed by the Coatbridge club. He was 5’7” and scaled at 11sts 8lbs. Quite a prominent tennis player in the area in his day. He died at his home in Strathaven on 23rd November 1969.

Debut on 11th August 1928 in a Scottish League match at home to Third Lanark.

Scottish League 191 Appearances

Scottish Cup 16 Appearances

Lanarkshire Cup 4 Appearances

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Accies Career

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