Leyton Orient legend Peter Allen dies at the age of 76
Leyton Orient legend and record appearance maker Peter Allen dies at the age of 76 as tributes pour in for the former O’s midfielder
- He joined the East London side from Tottenham Hotspur, aged 17, in March 1965
- In Allen’s final season at Brisbane Road, the O’s reached the FA Cup semi-final
- After playing 18 times for South London side Millwall, Allen retired from football
Leyton Orient legend and record appearance maker Peter Allen has died at the age of 76.
The midfielder, who made the most first-team appearances of any player in the club’s history with 490, passed away on Monday.
Allen joined the East London side from Tottenham Hotspur, aged 17, in March 1965 and made his Football League debut at Portsmouth’s Fratton Park in September.
His tough-tackling approach made him a regular in the first team by the late 1960s.
Allen was also an integral part of the 1973-74 team, captaining the team to within a point of promotion to the First Division.
Leyton Orient legend and record appearance maker Peter Allen (pictured) has died at the age of 76
The midfielder (far right), who made 490 first-team appearances and the most of any player in the club’s history, passed away on Monday
In his final season at Brisbane Road, the O’s reached the FA Cup semi-final for the only time in their history
After playing 18 times for South London side Millwall, Allen retired from the game and later worked as a solicitor setting up his own firm in his hometown of Brighton & Hove.
A statement from the League Two team read: ‘The club are extremely saddened to hear that the legendary Peter Allen has passed away, aged 76.
‘Having made the most first-team appearances of any player in the club’s history, with 490 first-team appearances, Allen will always have a special place in the Leyton Orient history books.
‘However, he will just as fondly be remembered for his quiet, yet friendly personality, qualities Allen displayed – as always – at the 1969-70 reunion dinner held at Brisbane Road in October 2021; his last visit to the club.
‘Peter will be fondly missed by everyone at Orient and the club send their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.’
And fans were quick to offer their condolences with one saying: ‘A gentleman, a teammate & a friend. A very sad loss indeed. RIP Peter.’
Another commented: ‘Devastated – a gentleman and a true Orient legend.’
A third added: ‘Such sad news. Perfect captain who was always there to give you good advice when I first signed as an apprentice. A true gentleman, a big loss.’
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