Rosy-cheeked lad to Puskas.

HE signed for Newcastle after watching Bob Moncur score the goal that brought the FA Youth Cup to Tyneside for the very first time.

Moncur, playing further forward at inside-left than in his future glory days, struck in the second leg of the 1962 final to defeat Wolves, and afterwards manager Joe Harvey thrust the papers in front of a rosycheeked local youngster that were to change his life.

Harvey was to christen his latest find Puskas, after the Hungarian legend, because of his sweet left foot.

"That was the gaffer, he was terrific," smiled Allen.

"I liked the Puskas bit because he was some player.

"For a local lad from the east end to join United was extra special."

Though Geoff made his breakthrough on to the big stage as a ball-playing left winger he was originally a through-themiddle prolific goalscorer.

So prolific that when his school Manor Park, which produced other fine footballers like Dennis Tueart, beat Rutherford Grammar 7-0 Allen bagged all seven goals.

"I was an out-and-out scorer but Joe wanted to put me in the team against Norwich City when I was only 17.

"So to protect me he played me out on the wing.

"And that's where I remained."

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WINNING HABIT: Geoff Allen with the youth team cups the team he coached won under him

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