Ian Allinson

Ian James Robert Allinson (born 1 October 1957) is an English football manager and former player.

In his playing career, Allinson amassed over 300 league appearances for Colchester United in two spells, and played over 100 games in all competitions for Arsenal. He also appeared for Stoke City and Luton Town. During his managerial career, he has managed a number of non-league teams, including Baldock Town, Barton Rovers over two spells, Harlow Town, Stotfold, St Albans City over two spells and has had a previous stint with Boreham Wood.

Playing career Born in Hitchin, Allinson began his career with Colchester United as an apprentice in the summer of 1974 and made his debut later in the season, coming on as a substitute for Jimmy Lindsay against Bobby Charlton's Preston North End on 19 April 1975. The match at Layer Road resulted in a 2–2 draw. After picking up the club's 'Young Player of the Year' award after his first season with the club, he was rewarded with his first professional contract in October 1975. and was influential during the League Cup semi-final game with local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on 4 March 1987, coming on as a substitute to score the goal to draw the sides level after 82 minutes, and then providing the assist for David Rocastle to score the winner. However, Allinson was left out of the squad for the final, in which Arsenal defeated Liverpool.

Having only made 14 appearances for Arsenal in the 1986–87 season, Allinson joined Second Division club Stoke City, but only made nine appearances for the team before signing for Luton Town for a £10,000 fee in October 1987. He scored three goals in 32 league games for Luton, before rejoining Colchester United in December 1988 on a free transfer. He had helped Luton to the FA Cup semi-final and the Full Members Cup final in 1988 prior to his Colchester return.

During a game against Havant & Waterlooville in January 2011, the ball was put out of play so a Havant player could receive treatment, and upon passing the ball back to the Havant keeper, Boreham Wood player Mario Noto overhit his pass back to the goalkeeper and the ball hit the back of the net. Allinson signalled to his players to allow Havant to score a goal unchallenged. For this gesture, Allinson was hailed for his sportsmanship by Havant manager Shaun Gale.

Allison left Boreham Wood in October 2015 due to other work commitments. However, he confirmed that he would not retire from football. On 12 February 2016 Allinson took over managerial duties at St Albans City FC.

Allinson left St Albans City FC by mutual consent in September 2022. Allinson continued in his non-football role as commercial manager before leaving this in November.

Later in November 2022, Ian Allinson would join the club Hendon F.C in the capacity of general manager. As of the 7th of November 2024, he continues to manage Hendon.

Personal life Alongside his managerial duties, Allinson has worked in sales, and during Boreham Wood's FA Trophy run in 2006, he was working as a marketing representative for the competition's sponsors, Carlsberg. Allinson was acting as the club's director of football at the time.

In February 2019, Allinson was inducted into the Colchester United Hall of Fame.

His son Lee is also a football coach, and the two worked together at Hemel Hempstead Town.

Career statistics

Honours

As a player Luton Town Full Members Cup runner-up: 1988

Individual Colchester United Young Player of the Year: 1974–75

As manager Boreham Wood Isthmian League play-offs: 2009–10 Conference South play-offs: 2014-15