by Boris57 » Wed Feb 21, 2018 6:59 pm
I have most of theLeith Athletic lineups from 1894/95 & 1895/96 but having looked at them again to try to help out with your query I'm now wondering if he was ever signed by Leith Athletic. My reasoning is a couple of bits of "evidence": 1) George was a central defender (right half) but all the lineups I have with "Allan" included show him at either outside right or centre forward. 2) Leith had another player "Allan" at this time - Thomas. Signed 14 May 1894. Always listed in a forward position. An "Allan" makes his debut for Leith, playing as a guest, in the East of Scotland Shield final v Hearts on 12 May. This Allan was with Leith until 1897. It was definitely him that played in the 2nd XI Scottish Cup tie on 7 December 1895 v Third Lanark that you mentioned. Thomas had reverted back to Amateur in August 1895 but remained with Leith until 1897. The only piece of contrary "evidence" I have of George playing for Leith was a piece in the 'Linlithgowshire Advertiser' dated 6 April 1895 & regarding the previous week when Celtic beat Leith 6-5. It states: "Bo'ness were missing four of their first eleven including Allan who we understand has signed with Leith Athletic & who played with that team on Saturday in their League match with the Celtic". Again though, the "Allan" that played that day was listed at centre-forward. So that clearly suggests he was still with Bo'ness as late as April 1895 & then he managed to sign for 3 clubs in June _ St Bernard's, Burnley & Liverpool.
I defintely think there's been a mix-up between the two "Allan"s & despite the Linlithgow Gazette piece I'm now not sure at all that he ever played for Leith as all the other evidence suggests not. Bit of a mystery that I doubt will ever be solved.