Anyone who thought the Huddersfield-born striker was nearing the end of his career when he joined Tranmere in September 1999 has certainly been proved wrong.

For the man known to most as `Chief' and currently plying his trade at Chesterfield has scored 56 more times.

The most recent came on Saturday, when Town's League I rivals drew 1-1 with Oldham at Saltergate, and put the 37-year-old within two of the magical 200 mark for his career.

While many players of his age have half an eye on swapping the training field for the golf course, Allison retains all the enthusiasm of a trainee just awarded his first professional contract.

In the former New College student's case, that big break came at Halifax in 1987.

And 18 years and seven other clubs on, Allison has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet.

"Getting to 200 would be nice, but it's not the be all and end all," said Allison, who was signed for Town for £800,000 from Swindon by Peter Jackson in his first spell as manager and went on to play a big role in the Great Escape of 1997-98, when Town avoided the drop from what is now the Championship.

"My personal game is not really paramount. It's a team effort."

Chesterfield have team spirit in abundance, having bounced back well following a dismal start to be seventh in the table.

Allison has played no small part in the revival, with his eight goals so far this season including the winner in a remarkable comeback victory at Walsall and both goals in a 2-0 win over Port Vale.

"I've got to be happy haven't I?" added the man who has also worn the colours of Watford, Bristol City and Sheffield United.

"It's decent form and all strikers want that. So I'm quite happy for myself and for the team as well, because we're looking strong."

Even so, Allison has seen enough of football not to get carried away with a good run of success.

"We'd be very foolish if we think we can just stay where we are right now. That isn't football," said the man who registered 19 of his 198 goals so far for Town.

"You only stay there through hard work and good play. You have to keep your feet on the ground."