Willie Allan (1942-2026)
Greenock Morton Football Club has learned of the passing of former player Willie Allan, who was at Cappielow for three seasons from 1967 to 1970.
Willie’s football career started in 1958 when he joined his local club Bo’ness United, but he moved to Aberdeen in 1961. A skilful ball-playing inside forward, he was capped for the Scottish League v. League of Ireland in November 1962 and a week later, he was selected to play for Scotland’s Under 23 v Wales.
After 42 appearances for the Dons, he moved to St Mirren in 1963 and Falkirk in 1964, playing for one season at each club before moving to South Africa in 1965, where he played for Durban City for 2 years.
On his return to Scotland, he was snapped up by Morton and spent the subsequent three years with the club. His first season at Cappielow was outstanding, scoring 21 goals in 45 appearances. There was a hat-trick against East Fife in the Cup, and a spectacular goal against Hearts in the Cup semi-final replay. But his outstanding performance came in a crucial midweek League match against Rangers in April 1968, which finished 3-3. The Greenock Telegraph described Rangers as “being frightened of this man Willie Allan, who dazzled in the dribble and had dynamite in his boots.” He scored after 50 minutes, beating Greig and Johansen before weaving along the bye-line to net a truly spectacular goal.
Although goals were more difficult to come by in subsequent seasons, he put Morton ahead in the 1969 Cup semi-final against Celtic in the second minute, leaping to head home a Bartram cross. He also played in both Morton’s European ties against Chelsea.
After 93 appearances for Morton and 27 goals, Willie left Morton in April 1970, finishing his senior career with spells at Cowdenbeath and Alloa Athletic before returning to Bo’ness United.
Willie spent much of his life living and working in the Grangemouth area. He passed away at Grahamston House Care Home in Falkirk on 10th January 2026, aged 83.
The sincere condolences of everyone at Greenock Morton go to his wife Joyce, daughter Lynne, son David and their families.
