Career Timeline of Colin Grainger: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 7, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Colin Grainger made an impact.

Colin Grainger was an English footballer and singer, primarily known for his 16-year football career (1950-1966) playing as an outside left in the Football League. He came from a family with multiple professional footballers, including his brother, brother-in-law, and cousins. He also had a career as a singer and recording artist. Grainger married in 1956 and had two children.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1946: Represented Barnsley boys' team

During the 1946-47 season, Colin Grainger represented the Barnsley boys' team, alongside future Munich air disaster victim Tommy Taylor and cricket umpire Dickie Bird.

July 1949: Trial at Wrexham

In July 1949, Colin Grainger was invited for a trial at Wrexham, impressing manager Les McDowall enough to earn a professional footballing apprenticeship.

June 1950: Invitation to tour Maine Road

In June 1950, Colin Grainger was invited by Les McDowall, now managing Manchester City, to tour Maine Road in an attempt to poach him from Wrexham.

1950: Start of Football League Career

In 1950, Colin Grainger began his 16-year career in the Football League, marking the start of his professional football journey.

February 1951: First-Team Debut for Wrexham

In February 1951, Colin Grainger made his first-team debut for Wrexham.

1952: Limited First-team Appearances

In 1952, Colin Grainger failed to make an appearance for Wrexham's first-team, as his National Service limited his first-team chances.

June 1953: Signed by Sheffield United

In June 1953, Colin Grainger was purchased by Sheffield United for a £2,500 fee.

October 1954: First goal in the Football League

On 30 October 1954, Colin Grainger scored his first goal in the Football League in a 4–1 home win over Tottenham Hotspur, outperforming right-back Alf Ramsey.

April 1956: Selected for Football League Representative Match

In April 1956, Colin Grainger was selected for a Football League representative match against the Irish League in Belfast, which ended in a 5–2 defeat.

May 1956: First England Cap

In May 1956, Colin Grainger was called up for the first of his seven England caps, marking his international debut.

May 1956: Earned First England Cap and Scored Against Brazil

On 9 May 1956, Colin Grainger earned his first England cap in a friendly with Brazil at Wembley Stadium. He scored two goals in the game, which England won 4-2. This day was a high point in his career.

October 1956: British Home Championship and Football League XI Match

In October 1956, Colin Grainger played in the British Home Championship match against Northern Ireland, which ended in a 1–1 draw. He also played in The Football League XI v Irish League match, scoring in a 3–2 victory, despite a toe injury.

1956: Marriage and Children

In 1956, Colin Grainger got married and subsequently had two children. He also performed his first professional music gig in 1956, supporting the Hilltoppers.

1956: First professional music gig

In 1956, Colin Grainger performed his first professional music gig, supporting the Hilltoppers.

1956: Signed with Talent Agent and First Gig

In 1956, Colin Grainger signed a contract with talent agent Len Young and had his first gig as a support act to The Hilltoppers in Sheffield, singing songs from Al Jolson, Nat King Cole and Billy Eckstine.

1956: Grainger's Performance and Potential Transfer

In 1956, Colin Grainger's performance in the Second Division was so impressive that he secured his first career hat-trick in a 6-1 win at Barnsley. However, an injury picked up on England duty caused him to miss six weeks. Upon his recovery, Sheffield United was ordered to sell Grainger for the best possible price, leading to a transfer offer from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

February 1957: Arrival at Sunderland

In February 1957, Colin Grainger arrived at Sunderland's Roker Park during a difficult time, as Bill Murray's 18-year reign as manager was coming to an end.

April 1957: Final England Cap Against Scotland

In April 1957, Colin Grainger earned his seventh and final cap for England against Scotland, a game England won 2-1. He provided the cross for England's first goal. He felt he performed poorly, and was never selected again.

1957: Touring England and Vocal Training

In the summer of 1957, Colin Grainger toured England and received vocal training from Joe Collins, father of actress Joan Collins. He also performed with Jack Hylton and his orchestra on ITV's After Hours show.

February 1958: Signed Contract with MCA

In February 1958, Colin Grainger signed a contract with MCA for £250 a week for the summer.

August 1958: First Goal in Second Division

On 23 August 1958, Colin Grainger scored Sunderland's first goal in the Second Division in a 3–1 defeat at Lincoln City.

1958: Missed 1958 FIFA World Cup Selection

In 1958, Colin Grainger did not fully recover from an ankle injury, and the outside-left spot at the 1958 FIFA World Cup was taken by Alan A'Court.

1958: Release of "This I Know"/"Are You" single

In 1958, Colin Grainger released "This I Know"/"Are You" as a single with the His Master's Voice label.

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1958: Released Single "This I Know"/"Are You"

In 1958, Colin Grainger released the single "This I Know"/"Are You" on the His Master's Voice label.

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1959: Regular appearances in 1959-60 season

In 1959, Colin Grainger played 41 of the club's 42 league matches in the 1959-60 season.

1959: Cousin Edwin Holliday represents England

In 1959, Colin Grainger's cousin, Edwin Holliday, represented England while playing for Middlesbrough.

July 1960: Sold to Leeds United for Club Record Fee

In July 1960, Colin Grainger was sold to Leeds United for a club record fee of £15,000. Leeds United had just been relegated to the Second Division. Grainger was also given an illegal signing-on fee and suffered from a deteriorating ankle.

July 1960: Transfer to Leeds United

In July 1960, Colin Grainger was sold to Leeds United of the Second Division for a club record £15,000.

1960: Transfer Request

In 1960, Colin Grainger handed in a transfer request after the board of directors rejected his request for a loan to invest in a newsagent's shop in South Shields. Sunderland finished in 16th place

1960: Turned Down Tour with Nat Jackley

In the summer of 1960, Colin Grainger turned down the opportunity to tour Australia with comedian Nat Jackley to focus on his pre-season football training.

January 1961: Signed New Contract with Leeds United

In January 1961, with the abolition of the maximum wage, Colin Grainger signed a new contract of £20-a-week with Leeds United.

October 1961: Signed with Port Vale

In October 1961, Colin Grainger signed with Third Division side Port Vale. Manager Norman Low paid £6,000 for his services. Preston North End also offered £6,000 but refused to pay a signing-on fee. Port Vale offered Grainger wages of £30-a-week with bonuses and a £300 signing-on fee.

June 1963: Shared bill with The Beatles

In June 1963, Colin Grainger shared a bill with the Beatles, an iconic moment in his singing career.

1963: FA Cup with Port Vale

In 1963, Colin Grainger helped Port Vale knock his former club Sunderland out of the FA Cup.

1963: Groin Injury and Replacement at Port Vale

In 1963, Colin Grainger started the season with Port Vale but missed seven months due to his groin injury. Ron Smith was signed as his replacement, and Grainger was not offered a new contract at the end of the season.

August 1964: Signed with Doncaster Rovers

In August 1964, Colin Grainger signed with Fourth Division side Doncaster Rovers after being released by Port Vale.

1965: Played 41 Appearances for Doncaster Rovers

In 1965, Colin Grainger managed his groin injury to make 41 appearances for Doncaster Rovers. He received rough treatment from defenders and was suspended for punching an opponent.

1966: End of Football League Career

In 1966, Colin Grainger concluded his 16-year career in the Football League.

1966: Retirement From Football To Focus On Singing Career

In 1966, Colin Grainger retired from professional football to focus on his singing career. He later became a sales representative and area manager.

1966: Released by Doncaster Rovers

In the summer of 1966, Colin Grainger was released by Doncaster Rovers and then had a brief spell with Macclesfield Town before focusing on his singing career.