Born in Manchester, Alan had the honour of representing his home town club seven times in the league between 1978 and 1985. He did however score in their European Cup Winner Cup semi final first leg, as well as in both games (including a replay) as Man U defeated Brighton in the FA Cup final of 1983, almost certainly the highlight of his career and making him a major trophy winner.

Those kind of numbers in the league however tell you he was clearly not a regular for the red devils however and in 1985 he would move to St James Park on a free transfer.

Again, Alan would struggle to hold down a regular spot and would be loaned out twice during his two year stint with Newcastle United before moving to Swansea.

Alan would be capped 13 times for his national team (as both his parents were from Wales) but would tragically take his own life at the age of just 30, having suffered from depression.