YET MORE MISERY AS TALENT-SPOTTER ALLEN QUITS

THE Football Association have been dealt a significant blow after the highlyregarded Richard Allen surprisingly quit his role as head of talent identification. Allen was headhunted by the FA in February 2015 to occupy the position, which saw him scouting young academy players who have the potential to play for England. Though it may not get significant public exposure, it is a crucial job within St George’s Park. But Allen, who was previously chief scout at Tottenham for eight years and the head of QPR’s academy, has decided to walk away to become the new director of football at Loughborough University. It is understood that Loughborough intend to make an announcement regarding Allen’s appointment within the next 48 hours. They want him to help to create a ‘culture of excellence, innovation and learning’. Allen came to the decision to pursue a new challenge when it emerged that Dave Reddin, the FA’s head of performance, was planning to launch a restructure of the talent identification department. Allen — who left of his own accord — is the latest high-profile departure from St George’s Park. In September, Under 16 head coach Dan Micciche — who played a significant role in Dele Alli’s rise — was sacked. He remains in negotiations with the FA over his severance package. It is not yet known whether the FA will appoint Allen’s successor internally or widen the search.