Former City manager Allison dies

Former Manchester City manager Malcolm Allison has died, it was announced today. He was 83.

The club paid tribute to ’Big Mal’ on its website, describing him as “flamboyant, brilliant and larger than life”.

“Malcolm will be sorely missed by everyone at the club and beyond,” said the statement on City’s website.

Allison joined the Blues in 1965 as assistant manager to Joe Mercer, before taking up the top job in 1972. He also had a spell back at the club from 1979 to 1980.

City, whose flags are at half mast, will pay tribute to Allison at their next Premier League home game against Arsenal next Sunday.

There will also be an appropriate commemoration to his life and work in the memorial garden at the City of Manchester Stadium, said the club.