Jimmy Allen

James Phillips Allen (16 October 1909 – 5 February 1995) was an English footballer and football manager who played and coached in the Football League. He played as a defender for Portsmouth and Aston Villa, making over 250 league appearances. He was Aston Villa's record signing and made two appearances for England at full international level.

After World War II, Allen became manager of Colchester United, whom he led from the Southern League into the Football League in 1950.

Early life

Born in Poole, Allen was the youngest boy in a family of thirteen children to Samuel and Fanny Allen. His father was a drayman. He attended St Mary's School in Longfleet, playing football for the school team, and also played for Poole Central.

Playing career Allen played for his local club Poole Town, earning a transfer to Portsmouth for a sum of £1,200 in 1930. In 1934, Portsmouth finished as runner-up in the FA Cup against Manchester City, with Allen picking up and injury during the game, and a runners-up medal.

International career

Allen made his international debut for England at the age of 23 in a 3–0 win over Northern Ireland at Windsor Park, Belfast on 14 October 1933 in a British Home Championship match. His second and final appearance for England came in a 2–1 defeat to Wales on 15 November 1933 at St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. He was injured after 36 minutes. Allen was the 588th player to appear for England. Allen led the U's to 16th and 10th position in the 1950–51 and 1951–52 seasons respectively, but a poor run of form left Colchester to finish 22nd in the 1952–53 season, as Allen resigned on 2 May 1953.

Managerial statistics + Managerial record by team and tenureTeamFromToRecordColchester United22 June 19482 May 1953

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Later life

Following his departure from Colchester, he became a landlord in Southsea. He died in Southsea aged 85 on 5 February 1995.

Aston Villa Football League Second Division: 1937–38

As manager Colchester United Southern League Cup: 1949–50; runner-up: 1947–48, 1948–49

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