Sandy Allan

Alexander Begg Allan (born 29 October 1947) is a Scottish former professional footballer. During his career, he made over 50 appearances in the Football League.

After attracting attention as an amateur player, he signed for Cardiff City in 1967 and made his professional debut soon after. However, a broken ankle and strong competition for places limited him to nine league appearances over three seasons. During his time with Cardiff, he became the first player to score a headed hat-trick in a European competition during a match against Mjøndalen IF in 1969.

He moved to Bristol Rovers in 1970 for £12,500, scoring 18 league goals in 57 appearances. After a brief loan spell with Swansea City in 1973, he moved to South Africa.

Early life Born in Forfar, Allan grew up in the village of Killiecrankie. At the age of fifteen, he began working in a mine alongside his father in the nearby town of Tullibody. However, after three months, the family relocated to Yorkshire.

Career Early career Allan began his football career as an amateur, featuring for Barnsley and Doncaster Rovers. He was offered a part-time contract with Welsh side Rhyl, managed by Albert Dunlop, who were playing in the Cheshire League. He developed a reputation as a prolific goalscorer for Rhyl, earning himself the nickname "The Boy with the Golden Boots". Allan joined Cardiff in 1967 for a fee of £12,500. He made his professional debut for the club on 19 August 1967, the opening day of the 1967–68 season, in a 1–1 draw with Plymouth Argyle. In his second appearance a month later, Allan suffered a broken ankle. Allan found first team opportunities limited due to the presence of several senior forwards at the club, including John Toshack, Brian Clark and Bobby Brown. All three of the goals were scored during a seven-minute spell of the first half, later described as "a header at the near post, one at the far post and a diving header in the middle." again for a fee of £12,500. In March 1973, he was allowed to join Swansea City on loan, being signed by manager Harry Gregg. He scored one goal in seven league appearances before returning to Bristol. He left Bristol in March 1974, moving to South Africa where he played for Cape Town City. He later had a spell as player-manager of non-league side Harrogate Railway Athletic.