Tom McAllister was a determined Scottish half-back who was one of the mainstays of the Leeds City side in the first couple of years of Frank Scott-Walford's time in charge at Elland Road.

His playing days began with Castleford Town and he was given the opportunity of First Division football when Blackburn Rovers signed him in March 1904. He made his debut for Rovers in 1905, though he had a number of disciplinary issues and moved on to Brentford the following year.

In May 1908, he returned to Yorkshire when he joined Leeds City. He was a regular choice over the next couple of years, amassing 53 league and 5 Cup appearances for the Peacocks.

He lost his place to Jimmy Horsley in the closing weeks of the 1909/10 campaign and after City signed John Harkins in the close season, McAllister left City and returned to Castleford. He ended his playing days with Halifax Town.