In Memory of Albert ‘Albie’ Allum

It was recorded in the recent Middlesbrough home programme that Albert ‘Albie’ Allum had sadly passed away.

‘Albie’ was born on 15th October 1930 and grew up in Dalgarno Gardens, North Kensington.

He started his football career with Hereford United and then moved on to Brentford, before joining Dover.

Rangers signed him in June 1957 and he made his 1st team debut at Colchester a few months later on 2nd September.

Floodlights weren’t compulsory at the time and the story goes that the score was level at 1-1 with just a minute to go. Apparently it was so gloomy that Ron Springett never saw Colchester’s very late winner!

‘Albie’ didn’t feature again for the 1st team but he did play in 11 reserve games that season, scoring five goals.

His time at Rangers was brief and the reasons for this were explained in an interview that appeared in the West London Observer on 6th December:


‘What is the truth behind the I-go-I-come-back move of inside-forward Albert Allum from Dover to Queen’s Park Rangers and back again?

Answer: Manager Jack Taylor thought Allum was a “lazy” player. At least that is the version given to me in an exclusive interview at his home at Dalgarno Gardens, North Kensington, this week.

Twenty-six years-old Allum had been starring with Southern Leaguers Hereford and Kent League side Dover, after turning down offers from West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea.

At the beginning of this season Allum joined Rangers. “My wife Jean was having a baby and I wanted to be near her,” explained Allum.

“I also thought I had a good chance of making Rangers’ first team.” What went wrong?

Said Allum: “After only one 1st team game against Colchester I was dropped. I feel that if we had come away with a point instead of losing 2-1, I would have kept my place. I think I was made a scapegoat for that defeat.”

“Then when the Reserves played Brentford Reserves the team was announced as Tomkys or Allum. When I saw Mr Taylor he said Tomkys would probably not be able to get away for the game. But he did and he played.”

“When I saw Mr Taylor on the following Monday he said I was a lazy player. I was furious and asked for my release.”

“In the Kent League I’ve been told I have a reputation as a hard grafter.” Dover were only too glad to get Allum back.

Is Allum sorry to leave League football after his brief experience?

“In a way but its more profitable in non-League football you know,” he said. “Or at least my bank book tells me so. With Rangers I was earning £16 in the first team and £14 in the Reserves.”

“So with winning bonuses the most I could earn was £20 and £16. With a non-League club you have two pay-packets.”

“Before I joined Rangers I was a painter and decorator and I plan to start a small business now.”

What has Mr Taylor got to say about it? “No Comment”, was his reply.’

May he Rest in Peace.
Steve Russell

(My thanks to Colin Woodley for sending me the interview. The pic was taken during the first day of training and Albert is shown next to manager Jack Taylor on the far left)

3 thoughts on “In Memory of Albert ‘Albie’ Allum

  1. Just read the article about the late Albie Allum (RIP)

    In the late 60’s,very early 70’s I played for a North Kensington team called Kensal House FC who were based in the Barlby Road area.

    My family had a long association with this club, with my dad, uncles and brother all having played for them through the years.

    Albie played occasionally for us in the West Fulham Sunday League, I realised
    that he had been at Rangers but to tell you the truth had forgotten all about him until I saw your article.

    I can remember though that he was a class or two above Sunday League football.
    KHFC played games at Kensington Memorial Park in St Mary’s Road, at a sports ground off Popes Lane in Gunnersbury and Wormwood Scrubs (who didn’t if they played in West London) to name a few.

    Can’t remember much else, have searched internet for info on the WFSL but seems that league may have been suspended due to lack of teams.

  2. Thanks for that info Mick Perrin. Albie Allum probably well off the QPR radar even with people from my generation. I was surprised and pleased that he got a mention in the programme.

    Glad I saw him play for the reserves when on R’s books.

Comments are closed.