Malcolm Allison

[Gary James]

13 years ago today Malcolm died:

Malcolm Allison

Today (14 October) marks the anniversary of the death of legendary Manchester City coach Malcolm Allison. He passed away in 2010. I've interviewed Malcolm often over the years and you can listen to one of those interviews here...

gjfootballarchive.com

Many of us remember and talk about his second spell at City but it would be great if we could hear the views of those who were adults when he first arrived with Joe in 1965. How did it actually feel as City went through that glorious era?

 

[remember arthur mann]

A coach ahead of his time, I personally rated him highly. A strong character, who gave City fans great hope. I loved the way he belittled the rags. I can't believe it's 13years ago.
I did pay my respects when his funeral cortege passed through the Etihad.

 

[Cravenvirgin]

I was in my 20’s when Joe brought Malcolm to our club. He absolutely transformed the team and the way we played. For me he was a legend and will never be forgotten. Loved his winding up of the rags, aided and abetted by that other famous rag hater Mike Doyle. Left a message in the book of condolences at the Etihad when his funeral took place. Loved the big guy.

 

[bluedave1894]

A big man with with a real charisma about him,the perfect partner for genial Joe. A wonderful time to be a Blue following the slump of the early 60's. Unfortunately the decision to dispense with Joe's services to be replaced by Mal proved to be a big mistake.

 

[denislawsbackheel]

Agree with everything said so far. He was a giant personality and in interviews took no bollocks from interviewers. If he thought the question was stupid he treated them with disdain. Loved him.

 

[dickie davies]

I'll never forget us terrifying Europe

 

[Dirty Harry]

Was probably too young to appreciate Malcolm’s training principles and tactical knowledge being under 10, but one of my favourite City moments and always will be is when he returned with Palace and ran towards us in the Kippax, arms outstretched, he absolutely loved us !

Incidentally, just read the tribute from Sir Bobby Moore, never seen it before but such lovely words from him.

 

[Grassland Blue]

Big Mal was a great guy all in all.
When he became manager though I think the position was a paygrade above his level and he made some poor and costly decisions which stopped the club progressing for decades.
R.I.P. Big Mal.

 

[crazyg]

A coach ahead of his time, I personally rated him highly. A strong character, who gave City fans great hope. I loved the way he belittled the rags. I can't believe it's 13years ago.
I did pay my respects when his funeral cortege passed through the Etihad.

Same here.
Met him a few times in the Fletchers Arms, the best being after the 3 - 3 draw in 1971. We ended up being included in the rounds he bought - a cheap night out!
RIP Mal.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

A real larger than life football man who didn’t bear fools easily! That cheeky smile and a cigar, not to mention the attire, will live long in the memory…even beyond the football he created.