Allan Crossley: 1 of Britain's Hardest Men. Even Lenny McLean had huge respect for.

[@CornwallGhosts]

Another gentle giant humble and approachable. A beast of a man when needed to be. RIP. great tribute.

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much 🥊👍

[@paulrobbo321]

He really came across as a pleasant and likable guy especially in the John Craven interview It’s nice to see a hard man who doesn’t need to be aggressive except when he has to.

[@mattlegg1976]

Well said 🥊👍

[@MB-AFC]

Knew Alan from Kings Cross - I'm truely saddened to hear his passing. He was such a humble person, never a bad thing to say about anyone, absolute gentleman. Used to sit and chat with him for ages about different things and he never let on about his past, but of course I knew. Lots of time and respect for Alan. RIP Alan.

[@stephensmith4480]

@@bartsimpson7424 Why what has he done to you??

[@GoGetYourShinebox]

@@stephensmith4480He’s just a miserable person. Have pity on him

[@stephensmith4480]

@@GoGetYourShinebox 👍👍

[@doliver6977]

@@bartsimpson7424yellow by name yellow by nature Bart. Classless keyboard warrior.

[@rowdyyates4273]

I used to train with Alan at len sells gym and at Highgate ponds smashing guy great sense of humour a real character a pleasure to have known him ❤

[@markopolo12008]

RIP Alan you were a big inspiration to alot of us young lads back then..Great tribute Matt nice one.👍

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you 🥊👍

[@FailedToLoad..]

I watched the documentary on him as a kid, & Remember him diving straight into the cold lake first thing in the morning. Great video. Thanks Matt.

[@mattlegg1976]

He was a different level of tough for sure. Thank you my friend 🥊👍

[@But1976Ireland]

Great video Matt, well done. I didn't know he passed away. May he rest in peace.

[@mattlegg1976]

🥊👍❤️

[@bigal4914]

Thanks Matt, for this tribute to a true friend of mine Alan was incredibly strong , fit and powerful. You could not ask for a more loyal staunch man his word truly was his bond. He also had a great sense of humour loved having a laugh would resite poetry word perfect when the mood took him. The outside gym was the changing area of the men’s pond Highgate heavy weights circuits and callisthenics followed by a dip in the pond all year round in the morning and we would play a badminton in the afternoon but we used small hard bats which made it much faster than normal badminton. Alan would tear around the court like a middle weight, he I’m sure be missed by all who were privileged to no him. One last thing yes Alan was good friends with Lenny but his main partner on the doors was Tony Oliver from the meat market. God bless Alan and you all.

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much. I'm really pleased that you liked it, as you knew him so well. It's great yo hear from people who knew him. Thank you 👊🥊

[@bigal4914]

Respect for talking talking about him in a respectful manner, god bless and good luck with your channel you seem a genuine guy to me.

[@georgelane879]

How did he die may I ask

[@ruffastoast8570]

"Does what has to be done, doesn't complain" Words to live by.

[@mattlegg1976]

100% 🥊👊

[@snakeman9902]

Matt, what a fantastic video and tribute, I remember him as a strongman, (My age becoming apparent) I didn't know about his other work.. JESUS, he was fast and powerful, that bag work was scary.. Well done mate.. May he RIP.

[@Drakos99]

That bag work was in the changing compound at the swimming ponds on Hampstead heath, and if he was hitting the bag you knew he was there 15 minutes before you got there as you could hear the punches landing on that very heavy bag, as you walked across the heath towards the ponds from 10-15 minutes away!

[@snakeman9902]

@@Drakos99 I bet, scary man.. 👍

[@TheMatador888]

Quality, informative video Matt. A softly spoken, respectful warrior.

[@scottyelder8351]

No way I knew this would be coming ,Alan was an outstanding man and as hard they come,yet a gentleman and a hero to the people. Loved this ! Christian Warrior ✝️

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

LOL He was a POS enforcer for organised criminals and hurt people.

[@lonefoxbushcraft]

Its always the quite ones watch out for

[@Foralluhaterz]

Christian or not, he was a tough individual. Can not fully respect anyone who takes a man as a God

[@lucabrasi8420]

​@Foralluhaterz get a grip of yourself ffs.

[@smgibv4393]

He doesnt need your respect. Our Lord and saviour does and he gave it. John1. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

[@richarddutchholland4780]

Loved the video with Allan Crossley training and the naked man in the background doing star jumps…….

[@andrewwye1058]

Nice tribute. And deserved. So many decent folk with integrity and good intent pass away unnoticed. Violence is just a matter of where and what you happen to be born into.

[@AndyAnderson-c6j]

What a load of waffle

[@LTFC1964]

What a great video Matt. He was a true example of someone who didn’t need to act tough and always seemed very humble and softly spoken. RIP

[@fantasyproduct1042]

Exactly unlike some of the company he kept

[@johnwilson5359]

Thank's Matt, Alan deserves a mention on your channel, great story.👍🇬🇧

[@stormytempest6521]

Remember watching a programme on this man years ago, came across as humble and well balanced and genuine with it, shame he's passed on.

[@ronanhughes9498]

You've really hit your stride with these videos Matt.... None of that click bait or calling out other KZbinrs rubbish ,that's why I watch your channel ... Just great content 👍

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you Ronan 🥊👍

[@jszenmaster01]

What a great man. Watched him in the strong man events. Gent. Old school. Saddened by his demise. Another great video Matt

[@dtrueblue6322]

I remember him from Coleraine he was a toughie even before the muscles.. Fearless man that’s fact! Great video Matt.

[@henryb160]

I only started watching this channel last week and my mind went back to a bloke I'd seen in a TV doc decades ago, and wondered what had happened to him. And here he is with footage from that doc of him working out! IIRC he finishes his training by diving in a lake! Clearly a very tough character and I was sad to hear of his passing. I like your style Matt. You carry yourself well.

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much 👊🥊👍

[@edy5763]

Thank you so much for this tribute. Al was a very close friend to my family and one of my Dad's best friends. He was regularly around for Sunday dinner and treated me like a nephew, took me training, and taught me so much about life as a kid. I'm gutted I never had a chance to speak with him before he passed and I only found out today. I was very recently sharing his stories and videos with family. He was a great man and I'm very sad. RIP Uncle Al 😢

[@mattlegg1976]

Ah thank you very much. 🥊👊

[@noeloreilly9440]

Sorry for your loss man

[@rowdyyates4273]

@@mattlegg1976 can I ask what the reason was for his demise??🙏☘️❤️

[@damos6207]

Rest In Peace

[@rowdyyates4273]

@@damos6207 knowing Alan he won’t rest in peace if theres bad demons up there rest assured Alan will be sorting them out in between building a gym - pleasure to have known him👍

[@anthonykilgannon3443]

Great tribute to Alan. Sorry to hear of his passing. Well done matt.

[@joerouse6205]

Was in awe of this guy when I saw him on tv , rip Allan 🙏

[@Bigbencher]

From N.I and remember Alan on Tele back in the day. A quiet, humble gentleman and a credit to the sport and his country and hometown of Coleraine. I have been inspired by people like Alan throughout my life...people that step up to the plate and put it all out there. Thanks for putting this out Matt. First I even knew he had passed. RIP Alan. It's always the quietest men that make their point in the end...

[@mattlegg1976]

Great message, I totally agree.. Thank you 🥊👍

[@garysides636]

I remember seeing him in that jumper sparring .....what a powerful individual. His size and kept lean.....watching him spring onto the back of that wagon .....unreal ! Great vlog ....love the cross over with strength too. I hope you're well , be safe G 🙏

[@6lr6ak6]

Yes he had some power hitting that bag in his jumper, just one of those punches would deck anyone.

[@markanthony2682]

Wow thanks for making this video, I remember seeing Alan in the 2000 documentary Bounce Behind the Velvet Rope, I thought of him again this year and tried to find any updated info on him, such an interesting character and a man of God, RIP Alan from Australia.

[@stevemusicberger5281]

Great tribute to Alan.I knew Alan from World's Gym in Leyton and saw him lift the heaviest dumbbells in the gym and do 15 reps on the bench and moan that he normally does more but his shoulder was injured. He was training for the Man Mountain York fight with Ronnie Redrub .Sad to hear he has passed away

[@yorkshiretea7620]

Really impressive for his size how he highly he competed in the strong man events. Great athlete first and foremost an absolute nightmare for the average man to fight. Probably one of the most underrated hard men ever. RIP Alan

[@AdamDylanFoley]

Agreed 100%

[@mikeyoung7660]

Such a character of a man. I'm sad to hear that he's no longer here.

[@kingtabzmovieclips]

Me too😢

[@duncansampson8120]

Great video Matt, well done. I didn't know he passed away. May he rest in peace what a shame

[@derekstocker6661]

Great video and content as always, what is it that seems to take many of these so strong guys off so young, Allan was in no way old and we seem to hear about so many of these guys going far too soon. Sad for friends and families without a doubt, RIP Allan.

[@eddiestevens3220]

They go early through substance abuse

[@garfieldferguson6502]

Great video Matt, me and my dad use to love watching the strong man shows when they were on tele in the 70s and 80s, they were happy times for me. Fantastic channel Matt! 💯👊

[@seanmeehan-js5kh]

Total respect, what an athlete Alan was.

[@mrbipolarmattyhoward6071]

Content is brilliant were you dig these hard men up from is unreal.

[@plsh6916]

First time watching any of your posts. Just wanted to say what a lovely piece this is. Thank you for posting most appreciated.

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much 🥊👊

[@marktaipari9029]

Thanks Matt for your Great stories on these Legends. And hope your Health is Good.

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you for watching 🥊👍

[@higgo562]

Thanks Matt for an amazing look back on big Alan’s life. The fact that such a humble man like Alan was so close to Lenny tells me everything I need to know. Lenny was solid gold, no bully - just a straight John Bull kinda fella. Alan wouldn’t have entertained a bully ever. Old school rules - proper men 👊🏼👊🏼🙌🏼

[@EricMclachlin]

I don't believe the lies claiming Lenny was a bully either. Lenny detested bully's after what Jim Irwin did to him. With his reputation, he also had absolutely no reason to be a bully either. I think the people claiming Lenny was a bully are simply after attention/ views.

[@AminaAmina-xq4bb]

@@EricMclachlin Lenny's cousin boxing promoter Frank Warren who is well used to hardmen said Lenny was "a terrible bully" and that he saw him treat people terribly. Frank spent a lot of time around Lenny and he has no reason to lie about him. Honestly from what i've seen just in the youtube videos about him i think Lenny was a not really a good guy at all. His kids said they were afraid of him in the house when he was there. He seemed ready to fly of the handle at any moment and was mentally unstable. Not somebody you want around or to be around imo.

[@darrenhackett1654]

Lenny McClean was a grade A sh*tbag, nasty piece of work - enough videos on here to justify that.

[@sovaine]

As strong as Allan was physically his mental strength is legendary....all the great fighters think first then punch....great video.

[@williamjames7909]

Well done Matt, a very just and respectful look into Alans life, a great man who I had the pleasure to meet. God bless Alan.

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much. I'd love to hear about your experience meeting Alan , all the best 🥊👍

[@GarY-Dela-HoYa]

RIP....This man was 1 tough geezer..💪

[@russellwilliams1162]

RIP Alan, didn't know he'd passed. He also offered to fight Lenny, when Lenny couldn't find a challenger but Lenny respectfully declined. This was mentioned in John The Necks book, which is well worth a read. John The Neck would make a brilliant podcast, maybe with Mickey Theo? Good luck Matt been with you since the start 👍

[@cmb2934]

Brilliant video pal. Really thoroughly enjoyed this and it’s great to see some effort being put into remembering some of the real old school men that used to grace British cobbles.

[@MrJohn5ton]

Sorry I've just come across your channel. Amazing my friend. I love hearing about these hard men in detail. Thanks so much.

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much 👊🥊

[@chymist66]

Fantastic vid Matt. This one struck me as the usual case. The quiet humble guys are the usually the ones to be feared . They have nothing to prove , everyone who really knows them, knows how hard they are. They are usually very civil, respectful, but cross them at your peril. They are never to be underestimated because they are quiet and respectful. The Guvnor respected him . Nuff said .

[@AdamDylanFoley]

Here Here.

[@ScratchyBaws]

Loved watching Britains strongest man, Superstars and It's the Knockout back in the day. Miss that TV and may this guy R.I.P along with The Guv'nor. Cheers for the time and upload.

[@a..c..2469]

I didn't know about this warrior, thanks again Matt for bringing these men to your videos , you're the best at this, people will say the same for you champ💯🥊

[@Wezbomb]

the Strength it takes to spin and then balance and press \a log like that is insanely impressive. RIP big fella

[@daveboyo920]

Great upload Matt, brought back good memories especially when I saw an old mate of mine standing in between Alan and lenny ( Kevin k) where's all that time gone !!!!.......R.I.P Alan an Ace among kings....all the best Matt.....👊🥊

[@steverutland9267]

Thanks Mat. So good to hear these stories. Keep them coming. Stay strong mate. Steve.

[@ManofKent2495]

Great video, thanks. Always wondered why nobody had interviewed him since. Very interesting man. RIP.

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much 🥊👊

[@justonsullivan3807]

Great vid Matt 👍. R.I.P Allan. 👊🇺🇲🗽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👊

[@captnagrom8178]

Sorry to hear Alan has passed away. Never met him but knew of him through the documentary's you mentioned ... a man of a different age and quality. RIP

[@redfred70]

Great video Matt. Really enjoy your channel. And you seem to live in the nicest part of England ! Cheers mate.

[@Inconvenient_NPC]

Born in 1952. Says it all. He's one of the good old boys. Rest in peace, Allan.

[@timbeck6726]

1952. It does say it all. A Breed Apart.

[@sampsonbrass8972]

Great video with some great footage. Allowed Allan's personality to come through. RIP.

[@HelenCompston]

Alan had a strong Christian faith. His funerals service is at 11am today at Islington Cemetery. It will also be livestreamed and available to view afterwards. Details available from his church, the Metropolitan Tabernacle Baptist Church, London

[@mattlegg1976]

Ah wow. Thank you very much 🥊👊

[@mattrendall4232]

I knew Al in his later years. He used to go in my local cafe. I had a copy of the Bounce DVD given to me by a mate, and approached him in the cafe and asked him to sign it - which he did. I would often hang out with AL at the shop in Fortess Road, and sometimes go for a wander with him. He loved his steaks! Occasionally he would tell me about the old days...fascinating stuff. I was into weight training and Al would give me advice. The last time I ever saw him was sitting outside the shop. Al was a character, a god fearing man with a real presence. He will be missed.

[@universesixhit642]

You got yourself a sub. Man didn't live too far from me, never heard about him until today and my only regret is that I never got to speak to the legend. Seems like a typical Coleraine man, quiet, humble and tough.

[@mattlegg1976]

Ah wow. That's a shame. But thank you very much for the sub and the message 👊🥊

[@pershorefoodbanktrusselltr3632]

Imagine what our ancestors were like? These kind of warriors, now and in our past are why are a warrior nation. I don’t claim to be one, but Britain is built on these kind of people. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@secretivescorpio891]

I have to admit I don't know anything about any of these characters but as someone who has worked in forestry I can say what that man did with that log was an impressive display of balance, coordination and strength.

[@mikefarge3543]

Great video loved watching this one I can remember him being on the scene a very strong minded determined person always deserves respect 😊

[@markpearce5075]

Fantastic insight. A great watch. Big respect to Alan. RIP. Nice one Matt

[@gertjanboot5535]

Thx 4 the Video again Matt , interesting as always , greetings from the Netherlands, keep on doing your good work .

[@boldchristian6239]

Was a big fan of Mr Crossley. He was a true gentleman and great Christian. I am sad to hear of his passing but will see him in eternity in many decades time i hope.

[@mattlegg1976]

Well said. Thank you 🥊👊

[@Taytates-lr6kg]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video..fascinating times..great video

[@rogercook9217]

great upload some of those clips of Alan training can be found on You tube 👊👊 certainly an unusual gym 😂😂😂 Alan seems really staunch 👊👊

[@mkkravist11]

R.I.P. - Britain’s Strongest Man. A fantastic legacy and accolade. Sorry to hear of Alan’s passing, that’s no age these days.

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you 🥊👍👊

[@_indrid_cold_]

Brilliant video, thoroughly enjoyed it. Jings, that’s one hell of a tough guy, the bag was begging for mercy!

[@americanhotdog]

2:36 bouncing the bar off his chest😂😂😂

[@andymoreau7856]

Thank you chap. Gives me a smile inside. 🐻

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you 🥊

[@stevesmith5620]

Such sad news to hear that Alan passed away in June. Great video about Alan,s life and commentary he would have loved. We were great friends, had some interesting times. We used to train together. We worked together with John the neck. We also used to go out for rides on our motorbikes. Which was a love of his. He was an integral part of our family at our wedding and family occasions. He will be sadly missed by us and all who new him. Rest in peace now with your maker. ALAN. Steve and family.

[@Seafarer-Ade]

Sad in what way? The guy was a thug and the world is better off without him, and anyone like him.

[@toughluck1966]

Great content, the footage you find makes this channel great ❤

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much 🥊❤️

[@tonyoconnor6784]

That was a really interesting video, thank you kindly. 🇮🇪💚

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you for watching 🥊👊

[@Drakos99]

Oh no, I'm gutted to see this. I was friends with Big Al who I knew very well from Hampstead Heath ponds where we both spent a lot of time, swimming, training, chatting. I'd lost touch with him and hadn't seen him since he came to visit me in in the late '90s and I was looking to connect with him again just recently. I was very fond of him and am sad that I didn't get to meet up with him again before he died. He really was one of a kind. it should be remembered that he wasn't only a very strong and very tough man, he could be charming, playful and funny too, a very charismatic person. Thanks for the tribute. Cheers, Drak.

[@Robwells68]

Fabulous presentation Matt . 👏 R.I.P. ALAN 💖

[@brianwright1980]

Alan and lenny what a match up that would be. Built on pure respect. Absolutely megger episode bud👍

[@mattlegg1976]

Definitely. Alan once offered to stand in and fight Lenny 👍🥊👊

[@Ken-gk6qi]

Brilliant interesting video. I never knew about him. Very good. Hope you're good.

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much 👊🥊

[@wanro027]

The background you chose is amazing.. with the bridge…

[@mattlegg1976]

I love it there. Thank you 🥊👊

[@Oceanbluemoss]

sorry to hear he passed away, he can really bang , love to see more stuff on Allan Crossley, great vids as always matt

[@garyrobertson269]

Thanks for a crackin wee insight into a real character and fighter. Thoroughly enjoyed hearing your short but informative story of Allan’s life.

[@mattlegg1976]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you very much 🥊👍

[@blanketyblank5022]

Yet again, truly enjoyable content to watch thanks.

[@step4796]

Well done... met lenny through Richie Anderson... fantastic documentary.... keep doing what you're doing great job ... Stephen fox....

[@ivanmoore3503]

Great video Alan crossley was a awesome man proper old school tough bloke strong as a ox 🐂 thanks for posting this matt greetings from Newcastle gutted alan passed away one of my heroes R.I.P 🙏

[@jaymac7203]

0:30 The paws on this guy 😮

[@alfhucker462]

Mr Legg.. your noliage in this field is simply second to none!! And how you present it is exactly how a champion would.!! Honest and respectful..!! I value your opinion and enjoy your uploads.,!! Nice one Matt 👍👍

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much 👊🥊

[@garethcraddock9971]

In my house growing up, we didn't miss a second of Britain's Strongest Man. We were glued to it, so I'd have watched Alan as a child, but unfortunately didn't remember him, so it was nice to see this. A man of rare strength. Years ago, as a young teacher, I made pals with a chap called Alfie Germaine (might have the surname slightly wrong) from Ramsgate. He used to compete in the very early 80s strongman contests alongside a Scottish guy called Precious McKenzie. Anyhow, Alfie was only 5' 4" tall but a very powerful man. In his early 70s, he could (genuinely) still bench press 300 pounds. I'm 45 and thinking about that makes me want to get back into strength training.

[@MrDallman]

As always Matt….absolutely compelling viewing with fantastic content…..more please. Wishing you well.

[@crimsonpirate1710]

Great video pal, enjoyed that. Thanks.

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you 👊🥊

[@redprince1000]

Thank you for posting this fitting tribute.

[@Anonymous-Joker74]

Just found this channel & it’s awesome ♥️

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much 🥊❤️

[@basilguts1786]

Nice one Matt,Al crossley was a tough fella alright. Don’t you think he sounds a bit like Clint Eastwood when he’s talking? Anyway,sad to hear of his recent passing. Rest in peace Alan crossley. Harder than a woodpeckers lips 💪 .

[@SimonTimoney-74]

Great vid Matt thank you ...sending best wishes

[@JohnWilson-fp1ok]

Fantastic content once again. Very informative.

[@LennonZA]

KZbin recommended - subscribed!

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much 👊🥊

[@bobmathews9072]

I always wondered who that hard looking bearded bloke in the photo with McLean was , that answers that one ! Cheers Matt !

[@chrisg9615]

Nice backdrop you picked there Matt. Good video!

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you 👊🥊

[@SuperRogers007]

Love these videos ! Best on you tube by far 👏

[@mattlegg1976]

Thank you very much 🥊👊

[@TheObscureAlternative]

Quiet, humble & deep. Hard men have soul & like to laugh . Nothing wrong being ready for war. Thanks Matt. Stay strong

[@mattlegg1976]

Great message, exactly how it should be. Thank you mate 👊🥊

[@benrawlins8768]

First class videos matt! Best on you tube in my opinion. Wish you well with your health best wishes to you. And great content Thankyou.

[@paulcurtis7045]

Interesting watch Matt nice pod cast of obviously a very strong hard man. Keep doing what your doing mate enjoy watching them 🥊🥊

[@mattlegg1976]

Much appreciated Thank you 👊🥊