BOB ALLAN FROM CAMBUSLANG CONVICTED OF HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN GLASGOW AND US

In August 2019, a disturbing case involving Bob Allan, a man with ties to Cambuslang, came to light as he was found guilty of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys over two decades ago. Allan, aged 69 at the time of conviction, had previously served as a youth coach for Motherwell FC, a role he allegedly began in the early 1990s. His criminal actions spanned several years and locations, including his home in Cambuslang, near Glasgow, and abroad in the United States.

The allegations against Allan first surfaced publicly more than 20 years prior, when the Daily Record published detailed reports of child abuse attributed to him. Despite the passage of time, the case was revived when Allan faced trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court. During the proceedings, Allan maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. The trial lasted two days, during which victims bravely testified about the abuse they endured at his hands.

Following the jury’s verdict, Allan was remanded into custody as he awaited sentencing scheduled for August 28 at Glasgow Sheriff Court. One of his victims, speaking to the Daily Record, expressed hope that others might come forward. The individual stated, “I’m absolutely convinced that there are numerous other victims out there. Seeing the story may encourage them to come forward and exorcise their demons.”

The crimes for which Allan was convicted involved sexual assaults on young boys at his residence in Cambuslang. Specifically, he assaulted a boy aged between 13 and 16 on an occasion between May 21, 1984, and May 20, 1986. Another assault occurred on April 7, 1993, at the same address, involving a 15-year-old boy. These incidents form part of a long history of troubling allegations against him.

In addition to his activities in the UK, Allan’s past also includes a controversial episode in the United States. He owned a company called Inter-Global Sports Travel, which organized football trips for young players. In 1997, he faced charges in Florida after a 15-year-old boy accused him of indecent assault. The incident took place during a two-week coaching trip abroad, where Allan was traveling with three teenage boys aged 14, 15, and 16. The trip was cut short after three days when the boys were sent home, and Allan returned to the US after posting a bail bond of approximately £1700. He subsequently went into hiding.

During his time in the US, Allan was detained in Osceola County jail for two days following his arrest. The boy who made the complaint was described as “upset and shaking” by Deputy Sheriff Brian Adams. Despite the initial arrest, Allan later returned to face trial in Florida, where he denied the charges. The jury in Florida deliberated for less than an hour before returning a verdict of not guilty, leaving the victims and their families visibly distraught in court. The court’s decision was met with shock, and the victims’ mothers were seen crying as a court-appointed therapist offered comfort.

Following the conviction in Glasgow, a spokesperson for Motherwell Football Club issued a statement expressing their dismay. The club stated, “We are appalled to learn of the news that a former employee of Motherwell Football Club has been convicted of historic child sexual abuse. The first time anyone currently at Motherwell Football Club became aware of this matter was when we were approached for comment on Friday. Neither the club, nor any of its current officers or management, were asked to provide information by any of the parties involved in the case. As a result, we have already started to seek further information from as many sources as possible, before deciding what action to take.”