RIP Tony Collins
Tony Collins, the first ever black manager in professional English football, has died aged 94.
Collins grew up in West London and played amateur football for Acton United before moving north to Sheffield Wednesday in 1947.
Tony Collins, the Football League's first ever black manager, has died aged 94.
R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/ryB9rwjZ8J
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) February 8, 2021
His longest spells as a player came at Watford and Torquay, where he scored 17 goals in 89 games across two years.
In the latter stages of his career, he became the first black player to represent Crystal Palace, before retiring at Rochdale, where he became player-manager before taking over coaching duties full time.
Just two seasons into his managerial career, Collins took Rochdale to the League Cup final, only to lose a two-legged tie to Norwich 3-0.
His only other job in football management was as caretaker boss of Bristol City, in 198, 13 years after his time at Rochdale had come to an end.
There was not another black manager in the Football League until 1993, when Keith Alexander took charge of Lincoln City.
Sir Alex Ferguson led the tributes to Collins, saying: “I was really saddened to hear the news about Tony and send my deepest condolences to all of his family.
“One of my earliest recollections of Tony was of the very impressive job he did as manager of Rochdale, beating Blackburn to reach the 1962 League Cup final. I then got to know Tony personally when I joined Manchester United and Tony was the chief scout.
“As well as being a valuable, knowledgeable and respected scout, he had such an engaging personality and I always enjoyed our conversations.”
LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson said: “Tony was a true pioneer of the sport. He was humble, hospitable, he had tremendous insight and was always generous with his time. His passion for football was so evident when you met him and he had some remarkable stories and memories to share.
“Above all, he should be remembered and revered for his achievements on and off the pitch. He was known throughout the game for his ability to recognise and nurture talent, a skill which enabled him to have a huge impact on the lives of others.”
Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton hailed Collins as an ‘inspiration’.
“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,” Hughton said.
“He will be very sorely missed.”
