Albert Allen

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Albert Allen (born Aston, Birmingham on 1 April 1867, died 13 October 1899) was a football (soccer) player in the early years of professional football in England, who played as an inside-forward with Aston Villa. He made one appearance for England on 7 April 1888 when he scored three goals in a 5-1 victory over Ireland, thus making him one of the five England players who scored a hat trick on his only international appearance.

He first joined Villa in August 1884 (before the foundation of the Football League), and scored Villa's first Football League hat-trick in a 9-1 home win over Notts County on 29 September 1888. He made 44 league appearances for Aston Villa, scoring 27 goals. He died of tuberculosis, which had ended his career prematurely, aged 32.

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A light, but most effective wing player, with a good turn of speed. Lack of weight and size did not affect his pluck. Dribbled like an artist and shot with force and good aim. Always did well in big games and was seen to special advantage in his international. A modest, unassuming player, whom it was a pleasure to meet.

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The Villa News and Record 1 Sept. 1906.