We're Gunner Do You Proud

Arsenal grounding inspires City chief Allinson

- David Richardson

IAN Allinson was lucky enough to play for the team he supports. On Thursday evening, sitting in a café at Hertfordshire University before taking 75 minutes of training in the cold and wet, he even got a glimpse of them playing, albeit on TV.

“Signing for Arsenal was unexpected and came about quickly,” said the highly experienced former winger and St Albans City manager, as he momentarily glanced away to see Nacho Monreal put Arsene Wenger’s side ahead in their Europa League tie with Ostersunds.

Allinson had spent eight years at Colchester United after breaking into the first team and making over 300 appearances before sealing a move to Highbury.

“I made my Colchester debut when I was 17 against Preston North End in 1974,” the 60-year-old told The NLP. “I won the young player of the year award and Bobby Charlton, who was Preston manager at the time, presented it to me.

“It was only eight years after he won the World Cup, so it was a big thing.

“I had a great grounding there. You don’t see that side now when you had to clean players’ boots, changing rooms, stands and help the groundsman.