Manchester City announced the death of former coach and manager Malcolm Allison on 15 October 2010. He was 83. Contemporary obituaries recorded 15 October as the date of death, although Crystal Palace later gave 14 October.

Allison was born in Dartford on 5 September 1927. He played as a defender for Charlton Athletic before making more than 250 appearances for West Ham United. Tuberculosis ended his playing career after he became ill in 1957 and underwent surgery to remove a lung.

After moving into coaching and management, Allison joined Manchester City as Joe Mercer’s assistant in 1965. City won promotion in their first season together, followed by the First Division title in 1968, the FA Cup in 1969 and both the League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1970. Former players credited Allison with modern training methods, tactical knowledge and an ability to build confidence.

Allison later became Manchester City manager. He also managed Crystal Palace, where he introduced the club’s red-and-blue colours and Eagles nickname. His wider career included work with Plymouth Argyle, Galatasaray, Middlesbrough and Sporting Lisbon, whom he led to the Portuguese league title in 1982.

His fedora, cigars and outspoken interviews made him one of the most recognisable figures in English football. Players who worked under him continued to emphasise his coaching and man-management.