Although I never saw him at City, some of my happiest times as a child was sat in front of the fire listening to my Grandad regale me with tales of Doherty, Paul, Mercer and Allison. Unlike the persona that was Big Mal, my Grandad, in his later years, was very reticent and disengaged. Only when the subject was shifted to the Mercer-Allison glory years did that twinkle in his eye shine bright. I think Allison's antics reminded him what it was to be young again. After all, young or old, how can you not laugh at Big Mal's dislike for convention?
Rest In Peace Mal.
You were before my time, but the legacy you leave will be here long after me.