Colin Grainger dead at 89: Former England and Leeds star nicknamed ‘Singing Winger’ passes away as tributes pour in
FORMER England and Leeds forward Colin Grainger has passed away aged 89.
Grainger spent one season with the Whites after signing in 1960 and his old side paid tribute to his life and times.
— Leeds United (@LUFC) June 20, 2022
The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC, are with the friends and family of former player Colin Grainger, following his passing pic.twitter.com/L2A3RwPkt9
A statement read: “Leeds United are saddened to hear about the passing of former player Colin Grainger, who has died at the age of 89.
“Grainger was born and raised in West Yorkshire, beginning his footballing career locally before being scouted and signed by Wrexham, in North Wales.
“After forging a reputation as an exciting young ‘Outside Left’, Sheffield United brought him back to Yorkshire in 1953.
“A four-year spell at Bramall Lane saw Grainger make nearly 100 appearances and also receive a call up to the England squad, where he would earn seven caps, most memorably scoring twice for his country against Brazil!
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
“Grainger signed for Leeds in 1960, playing 37 times and scoring six goals.
“He finished his career with spells at Port Vale, Doncaster Rovers and Macclesfield Town, before returning home to play locally.
“Everyone at Elland Road would like to send our best wishes to all of Colin’s friends and family at this sad time.”
Grainger, who also had spells with Sheffield United and Sunderland, finished his football career with Woolley Miners Welfare in 1978.
Most read in Football
He also had seven England caps and scored thee goals.
Away from football, Grainger made a name for himself as a musician, which earned him the nickname the “Singing Winger”.
He would perform in pubs and clubs and once revealed his entertainment career was more nerve wracking than playing football.
He said: “I was far more nervous before a gig than before a match. In football, you’re one man of 11, but in singing, you’re one man of one.”
