Alan made his debut in 1983, playing mostly in the Midweek side with occasional 'seasonal outings' in league and cup matches for the 2XI. Club Chairman from 1996-2006. Alan's last wicket of the 2005 season made him the second player to take 200 wickets for the side after Ron Fairweather passed the mark two games earlier.

Alan was the first recipient of the Tom Barlow Midweek Trophy in 2005.

2007 saw him pass Mike Watts record of 219 games for the side then during 2009 he reached 250 wickets in the game against Newcastle City and finished with 20 wickets in the season for the first time. His 4-11 off 5 overs in the cup win over Tynemouth saw him win the Midweek Trophy for a second time.