Kenny Allen, English footballer

Kenneth Richard Allen, widely known throughout his career as Kenny Allen, is an English former professional football goalkeeper, born on 12 January 1948.

Kenny Allen embarked on his footballing journey as an amateur player, initially making his mark with Tow Law Town, a non-league club based in County Durham, Northern England. This club is notably remembered for later nurturing the talent of future England international Chris Waddle. Allen subsequently joined Hartlepool United in August 1968, marking his entry into professional football. Despite his professional debut, Allen's tenure at Hartlepool was brief, featuring in only seven league matches before his departure. His career then took an interesting turn as he moved overseas to South Africa, joining Hellenic FC, a prominent club based in Cape Town. In December 1972, Allen returned to England, signing for top-flight club West Bromwich Albion. However, he did not make any first-team league appearances for the Baggies before moving on to his next challenge.

Following his time at West Brom, Allen had a spell with Workington AFC before establishing himself significantly at Bath City. He joined the historic non-league club, then competing in the Southern League, in July 1973. This period marked a pivotal phase in his career, as he became a cornerstone of the team, making an impressive total of nearly 300 appearances for Bath City over the subsequent five years.

In August 1978, Allen moved back into the Football League, signing for AFC Bournemouth. He became a regular fixture for the Cherries, making 152 league appearances during his tenure. By 1983, his career saw him sign for Bury FC on non-contract terms, a temporary arrangement that did not lead to a first-team appearance. In December 1983, he joined Peterborough United, where his only competitive outing was in the Associate Members' Cup – a predecessor to the EFL Trophy – in an away fixture against Wrexham AFC. Peterborough later became the site of a disturbing incident for Allen; while playing for Torquay United a couple of years later, he was unfortunately attacked on the pitch by sections of the home crowd, highlighting the rare but serious issue of fan violence in football.

After his brief stint at Peterborough, Allen's career took an international turn as he moved to Sweden to play for Halmstads BK, a well-regarded club in the Allsvenskan, Sweden's top football division. His time abroad was short-lived, as he returned to England in March 1984, joining Torquay United on a free transfer, meaning no transfer fee was paid for his services. He immediately established himself as the Gulls' first-choice goalkeeper, succeeding John Turner. His debut for Torquay came on 17 March 1984, in a 2–1 away defeat against his former club, Hartlepool United, marking a full circle moment in his career.

In September 1985, Allen departed Plainmoor, Torquay United's home stadium, to join Swindon Town, once again on a free transfer. He played a pivotal role in the subsequent 1985-86 season, featuring in 40 league games as Swindon Town clinched the Fourth Division title, achieving promotion to the Third Division. However, early in the following season, he lost his starting position to the emerging talent of Fraser Digby, making only five more league appearances. Consequently, in December 1986, Allen was transferred back to Torquay United for his second spell, stepping in as a direct replacement for goalkeeper John Smeulders.

During this period, Kenny Allen's distinctive grey hair and moustache made him an instantly recognisable figure on the pitch. He played a crucial role in one of Torquay United's most famous moments: the "first Great Escape" from relegation. This legendary match on 9 May 1987 saw Torquay draw 2–2 with Crewe Alexandra at Plainmoor, securing their Football League status. The dramatic climax involved a late equaliser from Paul Dobson, but also a bizarre and memorable incident where police dog Bryn bit Crewe player Jim McNichol, leading to extended injury time that proved vital for Torquay. The following season, Allen was an ever-present goalkeeper under manager Cyril Knowles, as the Gulls impressively reached the Football League play-offs. Despite this success, he was released in the summer of 1988, subsequently rejoining Bath City in July.

His third spell at Bath City began promisingly as a regular starter, but after only nine games, his season was cut short by a severe broken leg sustained while conceding a penalty against Dorchester Town. Although he regained fitness, he was released in February 1989. Allen then moved on to Newport County, a club that had recently been relegated from the Football League. However, his tenure there was brief and tumultuous, as Newport County famously folded during the season and failed to complete their Conference campaign.

Remarkably, Allen returned to Torquay United for a third time in April 1989, stepping in as emergency cover for the injured Ken Veysey. This unexpected return led to a memorable appearance at Wembley Stadium in the Associate Members' Cup Final against Bolton Wanderers. He played in the final because Mark Coombe, Torquay's only other professional goalkeeper, was cup-tied, meaning he was ineligible to play having already represented another club in the competition that season. Allen officially retired from professional football in June 1989, transitioning to a new career working for the Post Office.

More than a decade after his retirement from professional football, in May 2001, the Torquay Herald Express provided an update on Kenny Allen's life. The report indicated that he was residing in Paignton, a town adjacent to Torquay, and remained active in sport, captaining the Chudleigh cricket team. Furthermore, he was contributing to public service, working as an ambulance driver for the South & West Devon Health Authority, demonstrating a continued commitment to community after his distinguished football career.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kenny Allen

What is Kenny Allen's full name and birth date?

His full name is Kenneth Richard Allen, and he was born on 12 January 1948.

Which non-league club did Kenny Allen start his career with?

Kenny Allen began his football career as an amateur with Tow Law Town before joining Hartlepool United for his professional debut.

How many appearances did Kenny Allen make for Bath City during his first spell?

He made an impressive nearly 300 appearances for Bath City between 1973 and 1978, a significant period of stability in his career.

What was the "Great Escape" incident involving Kenny Allen at Torquay United?

The "Great Escape" refers to the dramatic 2–2 draw between Torquay United and Crewe Alexandra on 9 May 1987, where Torquay secured their Football League status. The match is famous for a late Paul Dobson equaliser and the bizarre incident where police dog Bryn bit Crewe player Jim McNichol, leading to crucial injury time.

Why did Kenny Allen play at Wembley for Torquay United in 1989?

Allen returned to Torquay United for a third spell as emergency cover for an injured teammate. He played in the Associate Members' Cup Final at Wembley because the club's other professional goalkeeper, Mark Coombe, was cup-tied, making him ineligible for the match.

What did Kenny Allen do after retiring from professional football?

After officially retiring from professional football in June 1989, Kenny Allen transitioned to working for the Post Office. By 2001, he was also reportedly living in Paignton, captaining the Chudleigh cricket team, and working as an ambulance driver for the South & West Devon Health Authority.