Peter Allen dead at 76: Leyton Orient’s record-breaking midfielder passes away as tributes pour in
LEYTON ORIENT’S record appearance maker Peter Allen has died aged 76.
The club legend played 490 times for the club between 1965 and 1978.
The midfielder, who finished his career with a brief stint at Millwall, died on Monday.
Allen played for Tottenham as a schoolboy but was picked up by former O’s boss Dave Sexton when he was 17.
Known for his tough-but-fair tackling, he was a regular in the Orient midfield and turned down an offer from Everton to move to Goodison Park in 1970.
Allen was a key player in the side that came within a point of promotion to the First Division in 1974 and then reached the FA Cup semi-final four years later.
The versatile ace, who filled in at the back and chipped in with 29 goals, broke Arthur Wood’s record for club appearances in 1976 and had a testimonial in the same year.
His spell at Millwall, where he was reunited with manager George Petchey, was cut short by injury aged 32.
After retiring, Allen qualified as a solicitor and set up his own firm in his hometown of Brighton & Hove.
Tributes poured in on social media for the Orient stalwart.
The League Two outfit said: “Our deepest condolences go out to all that knew Peter at this terribly difficult time.
“Peter will always have a place in the Leyton Orient history books.
“However, he will just as fondly be remembered for his quiet, yet friendly personality, qualities Allen displayed at the 1969-70 reunion dinner held at Brisbane Road in October 2021′ his last visit to the club.
“Rest in peace, Peter.”
One fan wrote: “One of my all-time favourite Orient players. Without a doubt, one of the best and cleanest midfield tacklers I have ever seen.
“Never met him but those who knew him, say he was a real gent.”
Another supporter commented: “Absolutely gutted! Peter was a real gentleman as well as being a true Orient legend.”