Recomended to City by former stalwart Reg Halton (then managing Scarborough), Colin made a rapid first-team breakthrough, but found his progress in the late 50’s hampered both by a National Service and by the competition of successeve senior left halfs Eddie Russell, Pat Wood, Don Walker and Ken Keyworth.
From the start of 1959/60, though, Colin missed only eight League games over five seasons, having his coolly forcefull defensive half-back play (spiced with occasional forays into the inside-left slot with a place in the 1961 FA X1 tour of New Zealand and the Far East, and a selection for the Football League in 1962.
He made two trips with Leicester to Wembley FA Cup Finals, skippering the side on the second occasion in 1963.
He was also, as captain, the first Leicester player to get his hands on a national knockout trophy, when the club won the League Cup in 1964.
Briefly a coach at Grimsby, Colin subsequently managed Hull City (twice), Swansea City, Exeter City and Bridlington Town. His brother David was also on City’s professional books in the early 60’s.
Wembley winner with Scarbrough in the 1973 FA Challenge Trophy Final (as full back) and later led his team out there twice more in the same competition; indeed, he was granted a second testimonial game by a grateful Scarborough in 1982.
FACTFILE:
- Full Name: Colin Henry Appleton
- Position: Midfield
- Date of Birth: 07.03.1936
- Birthplace: Scarborough
- Nation: England
- Caps / Goals: – / –
- Major League Career:
- 1954-66, Leicester City (277/19)
- 1966-67, Charlton Athletic (28/1)
- 1967-69, Barrow (43/1)
- Links
- Category
TCF - FILBERT WAY 
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