TONY COLLINS, English football’s first black manager and compiler of Don Revie’s infamous England ‘dossiers’ has died at the age of 94.
Former Sheffield Wednesday, Watford, Norwich and Crystal Palace winger Collins took over at his final league club, Rochdale, in 1960.
Tony Collins died aged 94Credit: Rex Features
Collins was English football’s first black managerCredit: Rex Features
He spent seven years in charge at Spotland, including taking Dale to the first League Cup Final, against Norwich, in 1962.
After leaving Rochdale, Londoner Collins worked as chief scout at Bristol City before he joined Revie’s backroom team at Leeds.
When Revie was appointed as the full-time successor to Sir Alf Ramsey, Collins went with him to England where he put together the lengthy briefing notes on opponents and Three Lions players.
Collins had subsequent spells as assistant and briefly caretaker manager back at Ashton Gate plus scouting roles for Manchester United, QPR, Newcastle, Millwall and Derby.
Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton said: “I’m so sad.
“Tony has always been an inspiration to me as I continue alongside my colleagues to campaign to see more diversity in management and coaching across the game.
“He will be very sorely missed.”
People were quick to pay tribute online as the news emerged.
Collins also played for Crystal Palace (pictured), Sheffield Wednesday, Watford and NorwichCredit: Rex Features
Neil wrote: “Tony was a gentleman.
“We chatted at The Cliff, the old @ManUtd training ground or at Old Trafford, when he’d often be in Ron Atkinson’s office in the days when a few members of the press were allowed in for a post-match drink and natter.
“He had a massive passion for the game. RIP Tony.”
The EFL tweeted: “The EFL is deeply saddened by the news of Tony Collins’ passing.
“Appointed @officiallydale manager in 1960, he was the first black manager in English league football, and led his team to the League Cup Final just two years later.
“Never forgotten.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
