From Wetherspoons to EFL: The Rise Of Taylor Allen

Having scored 11 goals in 57 appearances for promotion chasing Walsall last season, Taylor Allen has completed a move to Wycombe Wanderers for an undisclosed fee.

With double digit goals on the season, it’s easy to mistake the 25-year old for an attacker but in reality Allen’s primary position is in the heart of the defence.

Described as a “well-rounded defender who contributes at both ends of the pitch” by Wycombe Wanderers manager Mike Dodds.

Taylor Allen has put to pen paper to become our fifth signing of the summer transfer window, we’re delighted to announce.

Welcome @txilsss! pic.twitter.com/JnBbJqLUZr

— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) June 26, 2025

Despite Allen’s remarkable season in League Two last season, his numbers aren’t the most impressive feat of the defender's career.

In this article we will be taking a look at Taylor Allen’s rise from Wetherspoons employee to the Football League.

Who is Taylor Allen?

Unlike many players in the professional football pyramid, Taylor Allen doesn’t have a background of playing academy football.

Allen began his journey with Midland Football League side Romulus in the eighth-tier of English football.

"I was working in Wetherspoons in a local pub and I was also doing a coaching apprenticeship at college” said Allen.

"It was difficult working two jobs and pursuing a career in football at the same time. Then you go into the professional game and you learn that it's a different world, but football has always been an enjoyment rather than a job.”

Happy 20th Birthday to former-Boro striker, @txilsss.

We all hope you have a good day🎂🥳 pic.twitter.com/l5ok82YxjK

— Nuneaton Town FC (C) (@NuneatonTFC) June 16, 2020

Following a successful stint with Romulus where Allen appeared 35 times, scoring five goals, he completed the first move of his career joining National League North side Nuneaton Borough.

It’s with Nuneaton Borough where clubs began to register interest in the youngster. Allen would trial for Leicester City, appearing for the under-23 team in the Premier League 2.

First taste of professional football

With offers on the table from clubs up and down the country, Allen signed with League Two side Forest Green Rovers in the summer of 2019 on a one-year contract.

The new acquisition made his League Two debut as a substitute against Oldham Athletic just weeks after the transfer, scoring the only goal of the game.

Despite the bright debut, Allen spent the majority of his time with Forest Green Rovers on loan with various clubs, finding himself back in the National League North with the likes of Hereford, Gloucester City and Leamington.

Taylor Allen: You're a League Two champion! 👏

Thanks for your efforts during your time with the club - and best of luck in the future.#WeAreFGR 💚 pic.twitter.com/1LeGLRm7Nf

— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) May 9, 2022

Breakthrough

After 25 appearances in three seasons with Forest Green, Allen agreed to join fellow League Two side Walsall following the expiration of his contract.

A return to his hometown team was exactly what Allen needed to kickstart his career, making 29 appearances during his debut campaign with the Saddlers.

Speaking on what he envisioned for Allen, manager Mat Sadler said, "we’d signed Chris Hussey at left centre-half.

"I initially wanted to balance out that left hand side so Taylor could play a similar role to Chris.

"I was also keen to have a good deliverer of the ball, which Chris did and Taylor also has a wand of a left foot.

"There was something in Taylor. I like under-lapping and overlapping centre-backs and I knew he'd be able to do that."

Following Hussey’s retirement in 2023, Allen would begin to see himself in the starting eleven on more of a regular basis.

Taylor Allen pens new Walsall deal

Allen, 24, had his option year exercised at the end of last season and has now signed for an additional year to extend his stay at Bescot until 2026.

The Cannock-born utility man has made 62 appearances since arriving from Forest Green Rovers… pic.twitter.com/1YNd1emJuL

— Daily Brief (@DailyBriefUK) August 5, 2024

The season that changed it all

The 2024/25 campaign was Taylor Allen’s coming out party, having now established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.

Allen registered an astonishing 11 goals and provided seven assists for a Walsall side that looked on course for promotion.

Walsall sat atop the League Two table for the majority of the season but a disappointing collapse saw the Saddlers fall into the promotion play-off places, losing in the final to AFC Wimbledon.

🌟 Presenting the #SkyBetLeagueTwo Team of the Season, sponsored by Clarion. 👏#EFL | #EFLAwards

— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) April 27, 2025

Although not the outcome Allen would have wanted, the season could not have gone any better on an individual level.

Allen was named Walsall Player of the Season and selected for the League Two Team of the Season.

“If you’d have told me years ago that he’d be playing left centre-back I’d have said you were absolutely crazy,” said former youth coach Matt Allman.

“Taylor was always a forward player, a goalscorer."

What’s next?

Having come so close to reaching League One with Walsall, Allen departed from the club in favour of a move to Wycombe Wanderers.

Allen registered 119 appearances for the Saddlers across three seasons.

Thankyou Saddlers for the support over the years! Appreciate every one of you!❤️ pic.twitter.com/4BqHHgjqIm

— Taylor Allen (@txilsss) June 28, 2025

Taylor Allen has had to scratch and claw his way to the Football League from playing eighth-tier, earning £30 a game alongside working part-time to being recognised as one of the best defenders in the league.

Wycombe will be hoping Allen can bring some leadership and experience to a side with lofty ambitions.