Malcolm Allison
Position: Centre Half · Years: 1951-1958 · Team: Men's First Team
Senior appearances: 265 · Goals: 11
Innovative defender who was part of the 'Academy of Football' foundations. Allison's career was cut short by tuberculosis, but he went on to become one of England's most influential managers.
Malcolm Allison represented the Men's First Team squad at the club. Playing as a centre half during 1951-1958, Records list Malcolm Allison with 265 senior appearances and 11 goals for the Hammers. West Ham United defenders have long carried the responsibility of protecting the club's proud East London tradition. From Bobby Moore — the club's greatest ever player and 1966 World Cup-winning captain — to modern figures such as Rio Ferdinand, Winston Reid and Aaron Cresswell, defenders have been central to Hammers folklore.
West Ham United under Ted Fenton and then Ron Greenwood built the 'Academy' reputation for coaching in this era, laying the groundwork for the 1964 FA Cup and 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup triumphs.
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