Yesterday TCF received a sad message from Norwegian co-owner of Scarborough FC, Are Guttelvik. given us the message that former fox Colin Appleton had passed away, on the 31st of May, at the age of 85. The story of Colin and his life in football is very much about Scarborough and Leicester City.
Embed from Getty ImagesStarting his career as an amateur with Scarborough, then a team at lower levels, recomended to Leicester and signing on as a 17 year old, making his full debut in 1954 playing Man City. He was on the books at the club together with Matt Gillies who later made Colin the captain of his team and during those seasons being very successful.
Colin played in a team of great success firstly getting promoted in 1957 and from there going to Wembley and play in two FA Cup finals, 1961 and 1963, both ending in defeats. He captained the Leicester City team to their first trophy in history, winning the 1964 EFL Cup, also leading the team a year later then finishing second after a loss against Chelsea.
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter 277 league appearances and scoring 19 goals from those games, Colin moved down a division and signed for Charlton Athletic, the year was 1966. After a professional career he moved into coaching and with his native club Scarborough he reached Wembley three times lifting The FA Trophy.
He had spells as manager at Swansea and Hull as well as being involved in coaching at Barrow and Exeter City. A grand player, a well respected coach and manager, and a man known for his love and great approach to football.
Colin Appleton was also greatly remembered at Hull City were he took the club up the ladder and came close to a back to back promotion, he also returned to The Tigers for a second spell in 1989 finishing his managerial career after this.
Thanks to Are for bringing the news forward. The former Leicester City captain and fantastic club servant will be remembered, RIP Colin Appleton.
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