Malcolm Allison - a life in pictures

Born in Dartford in 1927, Malcolm Allison spent the early years of his career with Charlton (making only two appearances) before joining West ham in 1951. He played 238 times for the Hammers until tuberculosis forced him to have a lung removed and, eventually, to retire Photograph: Sport & General/S&G and Barratts/EMPICS Sport

As assistant manager to Joe Mercer at Manchester City, Allison helped the club to win the First Division, FA Cup, League Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup Photograph: PA/PA Archive/Press Association Ima

After seven years as assistant manager at Manchester City, Allison was given the top job at Maine Road. However, his own tenure was less successful and he resigned in 1973 after one year in charge. He would later return (from 1979-80) but again couldn't manufacture success. He's pictured here reacting to news that City had been drawn to play Manchester United in an FA Cup match Photograph: Ppittilla / Daily Mail / Rex Fea/Ppittilla / Daily Mail / Rex Fea

Allison also managed Crystal Palace twice (among 14 managerial positions he occupied in 20 years as a coach). He's pictured here entering Selhurst Park as their new manager in 1973 Photograph: PA/PA Archive/Press Association Ima

Allison was one of the game's most charismatic men and was known to enjoy a cigar or two Photograph: Jmorris / Daily Mail / Rex Featu/Jmorris / Daily Mail / Rex Featu

His exploits with members of the opposite sex landed him in hot water, never more so than when he was snapped in a bath tub at Crystal Palace's training ground with the porn star Fiona Richmond Photograph: PA/PA Archive/Press Association Ima

Allison's managerial career petered out at the likes of Fisher Athletic (pictured) and SC Farense Photograph: Getty Images/Getty Images

His final club was Bristol Rovers, from 1992-93. After 17 years in retirement, Allison passed away on 15 October Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian