Allen emerged at Sunderland and was seen as a good prospect for the future, but an oversight meant that he was not kept on the club's retained list. He was snapped up by Southampton, where he proved to be an excellent keeper for 8 years. He was signed by his former colleague at the Dell, James McIntyre, and helped City to it's best season since joining the Football League. His slight build often left him the prey of centre forwards, but his agility was outstanding. At the age of 35, he moved to Accrington. After retiring, Allen settled in Coventry.
Penalties faced (14 - 11 scored)
1928-29
16 March 1929 v Crystal Palace H, Division Three (South), scored - Stan Charlton
1929-30
16 November 1929 v Crystal Palace A, Division Three (South), scored - Stan Charlton
30 November 1929 v Norwich City A, FA Cup 1st Round, missed - Joe Richmond
7 December 1929 v Exeter City H, Division Three (South), scored - Harold Houghton
18 January 1930 v Newport County A, Division Three (South), scored - Ted Martin
8 February 1930 v Clapton Orient A, Division Three (South), scored - Billy Broadbent
8 February 1930 v Clapton Orient A, Division Three (South), missed - Billy Broadbent
5 April 1930 v Northampton Town H, Division Three (South), missed - Ted Bowen
1930-31
6 September 1930 v Clapton Orient A, Division Three (South), scored - Jack Fowler
1931-32
17 October 1931 v Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic H, Division Three (South), scored - Jack Hayward
7 November 1931 v Torquay United A, Division Three (South), scored - Jack Fowler
5 December 1931 v Brighton & Hove Albion A, Division Three (South), scored - Arthur Attwood
27 February 1932 v Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic A, Division Three (South), scored - Jack Hayward
26 March 1932 v Clapton Orient A, Division Three (South), scored - Charlie Fletcher
