By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery announced Tuesday the signing of English midfielder Chris Allan (right) to a multi-year contract, pending league and federation approval. Allan becomes the 14th member of the 2023 roster.
A product of the Sunderland A.F.C. academy and native of Jarrow, England, Allan spent the 2022 season with Memphis 901 FC and was a valuable part of their second-place finish in the Eastern Conference table.
Allan made 30 appearances in the regular season, tallying one goal and two assists. He came off the bench to score the opening goal in Memphis' 3-1 playoff victory over Detroit City FC in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
“Going into another season with Coach Pirmann, along with the returning group of players at Charleston, is a privilege,” said Allan. “Coach Pirmann is great at creating a positive, hungry culture that I'm thrilled to experience again, now with the Battery. Each week we will continue to grow and that mindset will stay throughout the season.”
Allan, 24, is capable of being deployed in central and defensive capacities in the midfield. Last season with Memphis, he registered 18 chances created, 23 tackles won, 14 interceptions and 82 duels won. He was 901 FC's second-most accurate passer at 83.7%.
Head Coach Ben Pirmann is excited about Chris joining the Battery.
“I'm thrilled to be able to work with Chris again, he embodies exactly who a Charleston Battery player is, both on and off the field,” said Coach Pirmann. “In his two seasons in the USL Championship, Chris has shown that he is a winner. He is an excellent passer and helps the midfield in a multitude of ways.
“Not only does he keep possession at an exceptional rate, but he's also clever at finding space and controlling the tempo. Chris played a few different positions across midfield last season, his ability to control the game and recover the ball makes him a valuable resource.”
Prior to Memphis, Allan spent the 2021 season with Atlanta United 2 where he made 18 appearances (17 starts) during his rookie campaign.
Chris played collegiately at the University of Charleston in West Virginia for one season, helping the Golden Eagles win the 2019 NCAA Division II National Championship. He was named Most Outstanding Defensive Player for the tournament, and was an all-tournament and first-team all-conference selection.
Allan rose through the ranks of the Sunderland academy from 2015 to 2018, competing in the FA Youth Cup, U18 Premier League and Premier League 2.
The midfielder is enthusiastic about starting the next chapter of his career with the Battery.
“I'm incredibly happy to make this move and I can't thank the club enough for this opportunity,” said Allan. “It's a special project and it's exciting. As a new player, I want to serve the Charleston fans and community, which is something I want to put pride into while playing the game I love. I can't wait to feel the energy at Patriots Point when March comes around.”
2023 Roster
Goalkeepers: Daniel Kuzemka
