RIVER ALLEN

Full Name: River Brian Zach Allen

Born: 07 November 1995

Came from: Trainee   Went to: Released

First game: 12 August 2014   Last game: 16 September 2014

Appearances: 4 (0/4)   Goals: 0

A former student at Marine Academy, the Plymouth-born midfielder came from Ernesettle and originally played for Tamarside FC as well as representing Plymouth Schools at under-11 and under-15 levels. Allen joined Argyle's Centre of Excellence in October 2006 at the age of 10, and later made a number of appearances for Argyle's under-18s while still a schoolboy, before signing apprenticeship forms at Home Park. He starred and scored in the club's FA Youth Cup run of 2013-14, including the magnificent third round display at Premier League Aston Villa, which the Argyle youngsters narrowly lost 4-3. After seven years at Home Park he signed his first professional contract with Argyle in May 2014, along with Aaron Bentley (as well as following similar development paths and signing their first professional terms on the same day, Allen and Bentley were born just a day apart).

Allen made his senior debut as an extra-time substitute in the League Cup game with Leyton Orient in August 2014, impressively scoring Argyle's first shoot-out penalty of the night. He later made his league debut as a substitute in the Devon Derby, in an impressive 3-0 win against Exeter City four days later. With chances then restricted to just a couple more cameos from the bench and with a limited number of truly competitive reserve games at Home Park, he joined Conference South side Gosport Borough on a one-month loan in February 2015, which was followed by a loan to Truro City for the remainder of the season, although his time in west Cornwall was cut short by injury.

Manager John Sheridan's retained list at the end of the 2014-15 season came as some surprise; after just one year as a professional and with little opportunity to prove himself, the young prospect's contract was not extended and he left the club. That summer he made the long journey to National League side Gateshead following a recommendation by former Argyle assistant manager Gary Owers, who had taken up the same role at the Gateshead International Stadium. After a successful three-week trial and four pre-season appearances, Allen signed a one-year deal with the north-east club in late July 2015.

However, having made just four appearances for the Heed, Allen was troubled by both a back injury and a change in management at the club and, having not made an appearance since October 2015, his contract was cancelled in the January 2016 transfer window to allow him to resurrect his career closer to home.

He did then enjoy a circuit of local non-league clubs when back in the South West, playing for Bodmin Town (2016), Truro City (2016-18), and a loan spell with Tiverton Town (2018) before moving there permanently. He then moved back to Truro City (2018-2019) before a third spell at Tiverton Town (2019-20) and then a stint with Plymouth Parkway (2020-2022) before a fourth spell with Tiverton Town from 2022.

After leaving Tiverton, he moved to Willand Rovers in July 2024.