Defender Alan started his career at Redcar Albion and had trials with Manchester City before playing for West Auckland Town, Evenwood Town and South Bank for six seasons where he was made captain and was named their outstanding player of the season in 1970/71 before joining Whitby in July 1971.

He made his debut for the Blues in the opening game of the season a 5-1 home victory over Bishop Auckland. Alan played for Whitby for three seasons making a total of 119 appearances and scoring four goals for the club before leaving at the end of the 1973/74 season, going on to play for Guisborough Town where he played for them at Wembley in the FA Vase Final in 1980.

The club's thoughts go out to the Alan's wife, Ruth and the rest of his family and friends at this difficult time.