Colin Appleton (born 7 March 1936 in
Scarborough) is a former footballer who played as a wing-half. Appleton began his career at
Scarborough, but made his name making 333 appearances for
Leicester City during a 12-year period, where he formed a legendary half-back partnership with
Frank McLintock and
Ian King. He was captain of the celebrated Leicester side nicknamed the "ice kings" which chased the double in
1962–63 and he also captained the club to their first ever major honour, winning the
1964 League Cup.
He later playing for
Charlton Athletic and
Barrow, before re-joining and managing Scarborough. He went on to manage
Hull,
Swansea and
Exeter City.
Career
Playing career
Leicester City
Appleton began his career as a youngster with his hometown club of
Scarborough before joining
Leicester City in March 1954, just days after his 18 birthday, after being recommended to manager
Norman Bullock by then Scarborough manager and former Leicester player Reg Halton. He made his first team debut just six months later against
Manchester City, though made just 5 senior appearances over the next 2 years as he tried to balance his football schedule with his national service.
However in the
1956–57 season he began to see more first team action, helping Leicester on their to the
Second Division title. However, it wasn't until the appointment of
Matt Gillies in November 1958 until Appleton's career at Leicester really began to blossom. Under Gillies, Appleton made the...
Read More