Eastlands honours Allison as Man City fans pay final tribute

Flamboyant Allison, known as "Big Mal" and remembered off the pitch for his trademark cigar and fedora, died earlier this month at the age of 83.

He enjoyed a long and colourful career as a football player, coach and manager, and is best remembered for his time at City.

Around 300 people had gathered to pay their respects and a round of applause greeted the arrival of the cars at the stadium before his funeral service at Manchester Crematorium.

A sky-blue Manchester City scarf was draped over Allison's coffin and next to it was an ice bucket containing a bottle of Moet et Chandon champagne.

Stephen O'Neill, 51, from Gatley, near Stockport, said: "Big Mal was a Manchester City legend.

"He was an innovative coach who brought us great success."

City season ticket holder Shirley Hull, 74, from Macclesfield, added: "He was a big man on the pitch and off."

Working alongside Joe Mercer, Allison helped transform City.

He went on to manage Crystal Palace twice and returned to City in 1979. His career also included spells at Bath, Plymouth, Galatasaray in Turkey, Sporting Lisbon, Toronto City, Middlesbrough and Bristol Rovers.