Alan Pouton (born 1 February 1977) is an English former football coach and professional footballer who played as a midfielder from 1995 to 2010. Pouton was a product of Newcastle United's youth team but was signed as a professional by Oxford United. He signed on pro terms at the beginning of the 1995–96 season but soon after joined York City where he remained for two years. In 1999, he signed for Grimsby Town where he arguably spent the best years of his career. Pouton notched up 120 league appearances and 12 goals in his four and a half-year stay with the club. In 2004, he was sold to Gillingham but soon after he spent time on loan with Hartlepool United. His time with the Gills was dogged by injury woes and he eventually retired in 2007. A few months after retiring Pouton signed on a semi-professional terms for Dover Athletic and later went on to play for Maidstone United and Sutton United before eventually hanging his boots up permanently in 2010. In 2011, he returned to Maidstone as assistant manager. He left the club in January 2012 as part of budget cuts within the club. Playing career Oxford United Pouton came through the youth ranks at Newcastle United, his hometown club, but was not retained, and tried his luck at Oxford United. Again, he was never presented with an opportunity to play during his time there and was released at the end of the 1995–96 season. York City Pouton was snapped up on a free transfer by York City in time for the 1996-97 season. His debut came early on in the season as a substitute in the 2–1 home defeat against AFC Bournemouth. He produced some good performances in the reserves and was eventually rewarded with his first start in the 3–0 home win against Hartlepool United. Pouton went on to make 25 appearances that season, three of which were in the FA Cup. His first career goal was an 80th minute consolation goal in the 4–2 home defeat to Brentford. The following season saw Pouton firmly establish himself as a tough tackling midfielder, although his over-exuberance led to six bookings that season (to add to the six he had received the previous season). The highlight of the 1997/98 season for Pouton undoubtedly came at Roots Hall in a 4–4 draw with Southend United in which he scored twice.