Former Manchester City boss Malcolm Allison dies

[dutchman]

Malcolm Allison, the coach who helped inspire Manchester City to great success in the late 1960s, has died at the age of 83.



Allison arrived at City in 1965 as assistant manager to Joe Mercer.

City went on to win the Second Division crown in 1966, the League title in 1968, FA Cup in 1969 and European Cup-Winners Cup and League Cup in 1970.

Allison managed 11 clubs at home and abroad, leading Sporting Lisbon to the Portuguese League and Cup in 1982.

He took charge of Crystal Palace on two separate occasions, and also had spells as manager of Bath, Plymouth, Galatasaray, Toronto City, Middlesbrough and Bristol Rovers.

During his playing days, Allison made more than 250 appearances at centre half for West Ham, before losing a lung as the result of tuberculosis in 1958.

"Big Mal" - as he was known - always had an eye for publicity, and was famed for the "Lucky Fedora" he wore during one of Crystal Palace's Cup runs and his love of cigars - but his later years were dogged by ill health.

[StevieG]

RIP Malcolm, you were a class act.