Ipswich Town: Former defender Frank Yallop turns 60

Frank Yallop in action during his early days at Town. (Image: Newsquest)

Yallop was born in Watford and spent his early childhood there before his family moved to Canada, but he returned to England when he was scouted by Town at the age of 14. 

In 1983, he signed a professional contract with Town, aged 19, and he was handed his first team debut by Bobby Ferguson against Everton in a 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park in March 1984.

Frank Yallop made over 350 appearances for the Blues. (Image: Newsquest)

The Canadian went on to became a regular for the Blues during the 1985/86 season but Town were relegated from the top flight. 

He was a mainstay at full-back and a dependable player over the next few years under John Duncan, winning Player of the Year in the 1987–88 season. 

Frank Yallop was part of the side who won the Second Division title in 1992. (Image: Newsquest)

Yallop played his part in the side who won the Second Division title in the 1991/92 season under John Lyall and was honoured with a testimonial match at Portman Road in August 1992. 

In total, he made 385 appearances and scored eight times for Town, famously ending a four-year drought by netting twice in three days against Man United and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Frank Yallop was honoured with a testimonial match against West Ham in 1992. (Image: Newsquest)

He played most of the games during the 1994/95 campaign as Ipswich were relegated from the top-flight and the following season, Yallop left the club on loan to join Blackpool. 

In 1996, he departed Town to return North America to sign with Major League Soccer side Tampa Bay Mutiny, where he finished his career. 

Since retirement, he has managed San Jose Earthquakes (twice), Canada, LA Galaxy, Chicago Fire, Phoenix Rising, Fresno FC (general manager) and Las Vegas Lights. 

He currently works as sporting director at USL Championship club Monterey Bay and played a pivotal role as Gamechanger 20 takeover at Town having worked with with the Three Lions, Brett Johnson, Berke Bakay and Mark Detmer. 

Frank Yallop in action for Town in the Premier League. (Image: Newsquest)

Yallop won caps for England's youth team before switching allegiance to Canada, winning 52 caps and was inducted into their Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005. 

He is among multiple Canadians to play for the club, a list which also includes Jason de Vos, Craig Forrest, Bruce Twamley and Jaime Peters - all of whom won caps at senior level.

Frank Yallop pictured in a wall alongside his Town team-mates. (Image: Newsquest)

In 2023, he was inducted into the Blues' Hall of Fame alongside fans favourites in Marcus Stewart and Jim Magilton. 

Yallop was small in stature but was a huge influence during his time at Portman Road.