Ronnie Allen (born 15 January 1929 - died 1 June 2001) was an English footballer.

Playing career

Born in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, he started his senior career with local club Port Vale F.C. as a right-winger, also playing for the Royal Air Force during his national service.

He was transferred to West Bromwich Albion F.C. in 1950 for GBP 15,000 and, though only 5 foot 8 inch and barely 11 stone, he emerged as a talented striker, helping to define the modern role of target man. His unconventional style limited his appearances for England to only five caps.

Allen scored twice in Albion's FA Cup victory of 1954 and, later the same year, once in England's 3-1 defeat of West Germany. In the latter game, he played in a forward line graced by Tom Finney and Stanley Matthews. He was First Division top scorer in 1954/1955 with 30 goals.

After 458 games and 234 goals with West Brom, he moved to Crystal Palace F.C. in 1961.

Management career

• Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C., (1965 - 1968), winning promotion to the first division in 1967;
• Athletic Bilbao, (1968 - 1972), winning the Copa del Rey (1969);
• Sporting Lisbon, (1972 - 1973);
• Walsall F.C., (1973 - 1977);
• West Bromwich Albion F.C., (1977);
• Saudi Arabia national football team, (1977 - ??);
• Panathinaikos, (?? - 1981);
• West Bromwich Albion F.C., (1981 - 1982).

Bibliography

• Allen, R (1955) It's goals that count (COPAC record)

External links

• Obituary from The Guardian