Paul Allen may have only been at The County Ground for one season, but he easily made enough of an impression to be held fondly in many a Town fan's memory.

Part of a footballing dynasty including cousins Clive, Bradley and Martin, Paul Allen will be mostly remembered for his contribution to Steve McMahon's 1995/96 Second Division Championship winning squad.

He was signed early on in season 1995/96, and became a crucial part of the team as McMahon's men romped to 92 points - 9 points clear of eventual runners-up Oxford United.

Before moving to The County Ground, Allen spent a significant proportion of his early career at West Ham United, making over 150 appearances between 1979 and 1985, during which time he became the youngest ever player to feature in an FA Cup Final, at 17 years and 256 days.

West Ham went on to win the game against Arsenal by a single Trevor Brooking goal to nil, becoming in the process the most recent club from outside the the top division of English football to win the competition.

However it was with Tottenham Hotspur that he really made his name during a hugely successful eight years at White Hart Lane, winning the FA Cup at the third attempt in 1991 having been on the losing side in the 1987 final.

Allen worked under many different managers while at White Hart Lane, including Peter Shreeves, David Pleat and Terry Venables.

Alongside the likes of Des Walker, Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker, Allen enjoyed a fruitful eight years in North London, and came close to European success, reaching the quarter-final of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1992.

Although his best days were probably behind him when he arrived at SN1, Allen made quite an impression early in his Town career.

After making his debut in the 3-1 away victory against Brighton & Hove Albion in October 14th 1995, Allen went on to make25 appearances for the club in league and cup.

He quickly endeared himself to the supporters with his industrious performances at right full back, and on the right side of midfield and became a fixture in Steve McMahon's Second Division Championship winning side.

He scored two goals during his time in Wiltshire, with his first coming in the 4-1 FA Cup Third Round victory over Cambridge United at The County Ground, and his second and final goal in the 3-2 home win over West Bromwich Albion in the 1996/97 Division One season.

Allen now works at the PFA, visiting various clubs and advising youngsters on how to conduct themselves, as well as outlining the benefits of being a member of the PFA.

Upon such a visit to The County Ground before Christmas, Allen spoke of what it was like to retire from the professional game.

He said: "It's difficult to re-adapt to normal life after playing professional football, because there is not better profession that playing professional football.

"I'm lucky that I've still got access to clubs and players, and it's always good to meet up with old teammates in the various clubs I go to.

"I was a bit of a nomad towards the end of my career so I decided to have a bit of a break, and then fortunately for me within six or seven months of that break, I got an opportunity to work at the PFA.

"Thankfully that turned into full time employment and I've been there ever since."