Lee Allinson, the current manager of Dagenham & Redbridge, has reflected on his extensive journey through non-league football, detailing a career shaped by patience, perseverance, and deep family ties to the sport.
Allinson’s introduction to football began in his childhood when his father managed Baldock Town. Recounting those early days, he described following his father’s managerial appointments closely, rarely missing a match. His early playing years included time in Watford’s youth setup, followed by a college programme at Stevenage under Malcolm Allen and Dave Reddington, where he says he established a strong foundation.
His non-league playing career spanned several clubs, including Barton Rovers, Enfield, Edgware, Stotfold, and Boreham Wood. At Boreham Wood, under manager Steve Cook, Allinson often found himself on the bench, awaiting his chance to break into the first team. When given the opportunity, he made an impact by scoring twice but struggled to secure a regular starting position. He credits the level of patience required in non-league football for many young players dropping out prematurely, noting his own development was slower than some.
Following a stint at Potton United, where he enjoyed regular playing time and scoring success, Allinson returned to Stotfold alongside his father, who took over managerial duties at the struggling Step 5 side midway through the season. Defying expectations by finishing as league champions, Allinson had a standout season with 35 goals from midfield. He described the squad as spirited and close-knit, often enjoying the social side of non-league football as much as the on-pitch competition.
After playing over 100 games back at Boreham Wood and time at Arlesey Town, where he experienced another league title, Allinson joined Biggleswade Town under Chris Nunn. Serving eventually as player-assistant manager, he valued Nunn’s man-management skills and the opportunity to begin transitioning into coaching. This transition accelerated when he accepted the role of assistant manager at St Albans City under his father. Despite initial doubts about earning the respect of former peers, Allinson found the experience rewarding, describing it as a formative period before stepping into full managerial responsibilities.
Allinson’s first managerial role came with Biggleswade Town, a position he pursued with family support and personal ambition. The club enjoyed a strong FA Trophy run and achieved their highest league finish during his tenure. He then moved to Hendon, a club with a richer history and larger profile, where he faced early challenges including a difficult start and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite losing his first six games, Hendon retained faith in him, and the team went on to secure survival and mount a playoff challenge, along with a notable FA Trophy victory over Oldham Athletic.
In 2023, Allinson took a significant step by joining Hemel Hempstead Town in the National League South, marking his entry into a higher tier of non-league football management. He cited the opportunity to progress at this level as a decisive factor. Under his guidance, Hemel Hempstead achieved a club-record points tally and reached the playoffs, narrowly losing to Weston-super-Mare. The team also featured a memorable FA Cup tie against Wigan Athletic, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat.
Most recently, Allinson accepted the managerial role at Dagenham & Redbridge, a club with aspirations of success and a professional infrastructure. He expressed enthusiasm for the challenge and respect for the club’s ambitions, emphasizing the seriousness with which the organization approaches its goals.
Reflecting on his career, Allinson highlighted the lasting appeal of non-league football rooted in early personal memories, the community atmosphere, and competitive nature of the game. His path illustrates a gradual progression from youth player to experienced manager, underscored by dedication and resilience throughout the tiers of English football’s grassroots levels.