From Sidmouth, Alan played in Exeter City's first year in the FA Youth Cup, as a half-back.
On the 20th of December 1952, he made his debut for Exeter City reserves in the Southern League against Worcester City.
in July 1953, the Sidmouth born, player signed as a professional. Playing in the trial match in August 1953.

He played for the reserves as a forward in 1953/54 and 1954/55.

In the pre-season practice game on the 15/8/1955 Alan switched to full-back and continued to play mostly as a defender in the 24 Southern league apperances he made throughout the 1955/56 season, despite being at Devizes Camp on National Service, he managed to make 25 apperances scoring 5 goals in the 1956/57 season.

Alan then played for Bideford, when he moved to North Devon in the building trade, playing 366 games for them, he was part of their championship winning team in 1963/64.

He also played cricket for the North Devon CC while living on Torridgeside.

When he returned to East Devon it was to work for F J Luxton & Sons in Ottery St Mary.

Once his football playing days were over Alan took over as manager of Heavitree United. He steered them to the Devon & Exeter Premier Division title in 1970-71 when they were unbeaten from start to finish. He also had two spells managing Sidmouth Town.

Alan was an all-round sportsman whose winters were spent on the football field. And his summers on the Cricket pitch.

He played and umpired for Sidmouth Cricket Club over a period spanning nearly 60 years. 

Alan died at the age of 85 in July 2020.