Tributes pour in for a popular local football manager who has sadly passed away at the age of 68 after battling illness for many years.

Chris Allen was a longstanding manager at Holmer Green F.C. and has been described as a "true legend" by the club. 

Having previously managed Penn & Tylers Green, Chris joined Holmer Green in 2009 where he won promotion in his first season from the First Division, winning 28 games and only losing three.

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The club then finished 17th in the Premier Division Holmer beginning a run of nine seasons where he kept the team in the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands Premier and then the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier.

Part of the statement from the club reads: "He created high achieving teams from lads who will never forget the seasons they pulled on the green and white kit and time spent with Chris."

It continues: "We will all miss him but his legacy lives on in the club to whom he committed so much.

"It is our responsibility to build on what he did and ensure the club continues to prosper and be a place where football is played the right way, the way Chris would have expected."

After retiring from football management Chris could only last one season out of the game before he created an old boys team who finished runners-up in the First Division of the Aylesbury District League.

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Many of his former players have taken to social media to share their memories playing for Chris and to pay tribute to him.

Dan Burnell said: "Terrible news. My thoughts are with all the Allen’s at this time. Some great memories and taught me a lot about men’s football at 15/16 years old!!"

Olly White said: "Gave me my senior first team debut when I was only just 16 years old, not only giving me an opportunity but showing great faith. Top guy, horrible news."

Ben Sturges said: "Shocked to see this A man who gave me the chance to play senior mens football at 17. A great character within the game. Such sad news. My thoughts with all at this difficult time. RIP. A Gentleman in all aspects."

Jamie West said: "Gutted to receive this news. A true gent on and off the pitch a man with the biggest heart. Pleasure to play under a few years ago. Thoughts are with all his family and closest friends. Rest easy mate."

Eliot Dery said: "Can't really describe how I felt when told about this yesterday. My manager for 10 years plus and more importantly became a friend. A real man who had a big part to play in a lot of people's lives. Thoughts to his nearest and dearest and I will miss you a lot."

Did you know Chris? Leave your tribute in our book of condolences.