Alan West (footballer)

Alan West (born 18 December 1951 in Hyde, Cheshire) is an English retired football central midfielder. He attended Greenfield Street Boys' Secondary Modern School in Hyde, Cheshire.

Alan West
Personal information
Date of birth (1951-12-18) 18 December 1951
Place of birth Hyde, Cheshire, England
Position(s) Midfielder
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1967–1973 Burnley 45 (3)
1973–1981 Luton Town 285 (16)
1976–1979 → Minnesota Kicks (loan) 79 (35)
1981–1983 Millwall 57 (4)
Total 387 (23)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

West began his career at Burnley, a product of the club's prolific youth system. In 1973, he was set for a move to Sunderland but was told by medical staff that he had a condition which meant he would be crippled if he continued playing. He believed there was nothing wrong, and moved to Luton Town that year.

He spent eight seasons at Luton Town, becoming an important player as well as club captain. West made his name as a cultured midfielder who though not prolific was a fine passer of the ball. He was ever-present in his one top-flight season with the Hatters (1974–75). In 1976, he moved the Minnesota Kicks of the North American Soccer League, playing with the team through the 1979 season.[1] Moving to Millwall in 1981, West spent two seasons there before moving on to non-League football - as manager of Isthmian League strugglers Hitchin Town, being sacked in September 1988 after a poor start to the season.

West is now a pastor at a local church in Luton, named Luton Christian Fellowship. He is also the Club Chaplain at Luton Town Football Club.

References
  1. "North American Soccer League Players - Alan West". Retrieved 21 May 2009.
  • Alan West at Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Database


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