James Allan

James Allan (9 October 1857 – 18 October 1911) was a Scottish schoolmaster, football administrator and footballer. He was the founder of Sunderland A.F.C., whom he also played for as a forward. He also founded Sunderland Albion F.C. and taught in several Sunderland based schools.

Personal life Allan was born in Ayr, Scotland on 9 October 1857 to William Allan and Helen Ronald. later to become Sunderland A.F.C. They were formed at Rectory Park School, Sunderland, and they went on to play at Blue House Field, Hendon. Allan scored 12 goals in one match against Castletown in a friendly match, that Sunderland won 23–0.