Joe Allon

Newcastle United

Allon joined Newcastle United in 1982 and made his debut in the first team when Jack Charlton was manager in a 2–1 win over Stoke City at St James' Park on 1 December 1984. At the end of 1984–85 he starred in the FA Youth Cup final victory over Watford, scoring twice in a game in which Paul Gascoigne also netted a wonder goal. He was also capped at England Youth level. Allon scored twice in nine First Division games in 1985–86 and 1986–87, before manager Willie McFaul moved him on to Swansea City in August 1987.

Swansea City

Terry Yorath's Swans won promotion out of the Fourth Division in 1987–88 after beating Torquay United 5–4 on aggregate in the play-off final. During the season, Allon also scored against rivals Cardiff City in the South Wales derby, in a 2–2 draw at Vetch Field on New Year's Day. He scored 12 times in 40 league and cup appearances in a partnership with Colin Pascoe before he returned to the North-East to join Hartlepool United in November 1988 as one of Bobby Moncur's first signings as manager. Moncur drove from Hartlepool to South Wales to watch the striker in a reserve team game and decided to sign him.

Hartlepool United

Hartlepool paid a nominal fee for the striker to bring him back to the North East. The club struggled near the foot of the Football League in 1988–89 under Moncur, and Allon scored just five goals in 26 starts. The team again struggled in 1989–90 and suffered some heavy defeats under Moncur…

Newcastle United

FA Youth Cup: 1985 Swansea City

Football League Fourth Division play-offs: 1988 Hartlepool United

Football League Fourth Division third-place promotion: 1990–91 Port Vale

Football League Second Division second-place promotion: 1993–94 Individual

PFA Team of the Year: 1990–91 Fourth Division Hennessey Cognac North East Player of the Year: 1990–91 North East Football Writers Player of the Year: 1990–91