Adrian Alston

An apprentice with Preston North End, Adrian Alston was recruited by South Coast United and immigrated to Australia in 1968.

He later played with St George. He first played for Australia in 1969 and was a regular member of the national squad through to the 1974 World Cup.

His performances there drew high praise and led to offers from various Bundesliga clubs.

Eventually preferring Luton Town, he later went onto Cardiff City and after a brief return to Canberra City, went to the US with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

His career came to a premature close with injury in 1978.

From 1969 to 1977 Alston played 62 games for Australia, 39 as full 'A' internationals, with a total of 17 goals.

A tall, rangy striker, he was nicknamed ‘Noddy’ for his ability in the air.

Memories linger of him connecting with long throw-ins lobbed towards him by teammate Ray Richards.

Yet Alston was also known for his deft touch and skills as a target man.

In the 1974 World Cup he particularly excelled at receiving and shielding long balls played out of defence, impressive given his East and West German opponents.

He also claims that the famous 'Cryuff turn' should be called the 'Alston turn', having performed it several days before the famous Dutchman at the 1974 World Cup.