AFC TOTTON'S supporters’ player-of-the-year for 2016/17 is the ultimate utility man.

After years plying his trade as a striker or central midfielder, skipper Dave Allen has successfully added the central defensive string to his bow. 

“When (player/assistant) Adam Wilde and I arrived at the club, we had a defensive crisis. We were leaking goals for fun,” manager Louis Langdown recalled.

“I had a chat with Adam and, with no disrespect to Dave, we didn’t see him as a striker or central midfielder.

“Dave reads the game so well that we thought he would make a good central defender and, to fair to him, he’s been excellent.

“I think we might have put a year or two on his career by switching him to centre-half!

“Dave’s a typical ‘old school’ player in the nicest possible way and I can see exactly why the fans voted for him.

“He’s an all-in player who gives everything he’s got – and more.”

Allen was presented with his award by 'Mr Pie-Gate' Wayne Shaw ahead of the Stags' final home game of the Southern One South & West season against Evesham United.

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