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Len Allchurch

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Len Allchurch
Personal information
Full name Leonard Allchurch
Date of birth (1933-09-12)12 September 1933
Place of birth Swansea, Wales
Date of death 16 November 2016(2016-11-16) (aged 83)
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Position(s) Winger
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1950–1961 Swansea Town 276 (49)
1961–1965 Sheffield United 123 (32)
1965–1969 Stockport County 131 (16)
1969–1971 Swansea City 71 (11)
Total 604 (108)
International career
1955–1963 Wales 11 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Leonard "Len" Allchurch (12 September 1933 – 16 November 2016) was a Welsh professional footballer. Allchurch played in the Football League for almost twenty years, playing in the top flight with Sheffield United and having lengthy spells with Swansea City and Stockport County. A Welsh international, he was born in Swansea and was the brother of the late Ivor Allchurch. He had the distinction of never receiving a booking or a caution throughout his entire Football League career.[1]

Club career

Allchurch began his career with Swansea Town and, having signed professional terms in October 1950, he made his debut at the age of 17.[2] After completing his National service, he became regular first team player for the club, appearing in the 1956 and 1957 Welsh Cup finals.[citation needed]

With Sheffield United manager John Harris looking to reignite their faltering promotion push he offered £12,000 for Allchurch but the deal was rejected.[1] United were undeterred and finally agreed a deal for £18,000 in March 1961.[1] Allchurch had an immediate impact, scoring on his debut and adding a further five goals in the final seven games of the season, helping his new club to clinch promotion. He remained an important part of the United first team for the following three years making over 140 appearances in total and scoring 37 goals.[1]

In March 1965, he moved to Division Four side Stockport County for £10,000, becoming the most expensive signing in club history. He made his debut for the club on 6 September 1965 in a 2–1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers and helped the club gain promotion to Division Three in his second year at Edgeley Park. After winning the club's player of the year award in his final season, he returned to Swansea City where he ended his professional playing career.[3]

International career

Allchurch first joined his brother Ivor in the Welsh national team in April 1955 against Ireland.[4] He earned 11 caps for his country.

Post football

On his retirement Allchurch became a hotelier in Swansea before running a leather goods business.[1] Allchurch died at the age of 83 on 16 November 2016.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Denis Clarebrough & Andrew Kirkham (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. p. 32. ISBN 978-1-874718-69-7.
  2. ^ "Past players". Swansea City A.F.C. Retrieved 15 May 2010. [dead link‍]
  3. ^ "Len Allchurch". Stockport County F.C. 27 June 2008. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  4. ^ Soccer Who's Who compiled by Maurice Golesworthy The Sportsmans Book Club London 1965
  5. ^ "Swansea City legend and former Wales international Len Allchurch dies aged 83". WalesOnline. 16 November 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
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