Early Life and Education of Colin Grainger: A Complete Timeline

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

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Colin Grainger. A timeline of key moments.

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

1900: Birth of mother, Lily Grainger

In 1900, Colin Grainger's mother, Lily Grainger (née Holliday), was born.

1920: Birth of brother Leslie

In 1920, Colin Grainger's brother, Leslie, was born.

1922: Birth of brother George

In 1922, Colin Grainger's brother, George, was born.

1924: Birth of brother Jack

In 1924, Colin Grainger's brother, Jack, was born.

1926: Birth of brother Eric

In 1926, Colin Grainger's brother, Eric, was born.

1929: Birth of brother Horace

In 1929, Colin Grainger's brother, Horace, was born.

June 1933: Colin Grainger's Birth

Colin Grainger was born in the mining village of Havercroft on 10 June 1933. His father, Daniel Grainger, was a coal miner.

1935: Birth of sister, Lily

In 1935, Colin Grainger's sister, Lily, was born.

1954: Reference to the 1954 World Cup

Colin Grainger refers to West Germany's victory in the 1954 World Cup, two years before his England debut against Brazil in May 1956.

August 1955: Death of Reg Freeman

In August 1955, Sheffield United manager Reg Freeman died of cancer.

January 1956: Marriage to Doreen Rowe

On 3 January 1956, Colin Grainger married Doreen Rowe.

July 1956: Birth of son, Colin Junior

On 3 July 1956, Colin Grainger's son, Colin Junior, was born.

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.