Allan Mathieson

Allan Mathieson

Born in Belfast in 1895, Allan played pre-Great War football for Glentoran and when hostilities ceased he was invited to Luton to play in a couple of trial games as an amateur which proved successful as he signed professional forms for the start of the 1920-21 season.

A big, bulky inside-forward. his ball control, dribbling and passing skills belied his size and he formed a good partnership with winger Louis Bookman leading to them both being picked to play for Ireland in October 1921 against an England side which included Ernie Simms (no international breaks in those days and Luton, deprived of three stars, still beat Portsmouth 1-0 on the day of the international).

Reputed to be ‘difficult’, he had a quick temper which led to him falling out with managers and referees culminating in regular suspensions. He left Luton after two seasons to join Exeter and from there had four years at New Brighton before moving back to Northern Ireland and then emigrating to Canada.

Allan passed away in 1953.