Tim Allen

Australian goalkeeper who became a popular figure during an impressive during two short spells between the sticks at the Showgrounds.

Born to Irish parents, in Brisbane, having been a regular starter for St. Peter's Lutheran College, and played for University of Queensland during his teenage years; Allen moved to the University of Albany in New York State on a soccer scholarship in 2012 and impressed during three years starring in goal for the 'Great Danes', which led to a short spell at Carolina Railhawks Under-23 side, in the NASL.

Following his graduation, he travelled to Ireland in an attempt to break into professional football in Europe. After being on trial at Shamrock Rovers, former Ballymena United goalkeeper Dermot O'Neill recommended Tim to Glenn Ferguson – who was suffering an injury crisis at the time with both Dwayne Nelson and Stuart Addis injured.

The Sky Blues snapped up the shot stopper in time for an impressive debut in the Irish Cup sixth round victory over Cliftonville at Solitude, in which David Cushley scored two late goals to progress to the next round. Allen continued to impress during the remainder of the 2014/2015 but unfortunately was ruled out of the Irish Cup semi-final due to injury, which the Sky Blues lost 3-1 to Portadown at the Oval.

Towards the end of the season Ballymena United facilitated trials for the talented goalkeeper with professional Scottish clubs including Tommy Wright's St. Johnstone which came to nothing, and in May 2015, the goalkeeper returned back to his homeland to continue his football career.

In October 2015, ahead of the 2016 Queensland National Premier League season (Australia's regional second tier) Tim signed for local club, Brisbane City and was actively being touted as one of the best talents outside of the A-League. Allen remained in contact with Ballymena United and returned to Ireland in January 2017 signing another short-term deal with David Jeffrey's ambitious new look side.

Now competing with Ross Glendinning for the starting jersey, Despite the successes of the team Tim’s second spell at the Showgrounds, did not live up to expectations from two years previously. He was an unused substitute in the historic League Cup Final victory over Carrick Rangers, and as United qualified for the Europa League through the playoffs – his six senior appearances in goal produced five defeats and no victories during the 2016/2017 campaign.

Despite plans to return to Australia, Tim remained at Showgrounds for the eagerly anticipated return to European football. He made his final appearance as a late substitute in the second leg of the defeat to Norwegian side Odd BK at Seaview, giving him the opportunity to the United faithful that had taken to him so well.

Tim remains only one of two Australians to play for the club, following in the footsteps of Daniel Lavery who played for Ballymena United during the 1949/1950 season

Tim Allen’s football career never fully lived up to the undoubted potential, as he returned to Queensland National Premier League to sign for the Gold Coast Knights for the 2019, a spell that was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and his last known club was Helenic Athletic of the Northern Territory Premier in 2023.

Career
(2012) University of Albany; (2014) Carolina Railhawks; (Feb 2015) Ballymena United; (Oct 2015) Brisbane City; (Jan 2017) Ballymena United; (2019) Gold Coast Knights; (Aug 2023) Hellenic Athletic

Honours
(with Ballymena United)
League Cup: (winner) 2016/2017