Everyone at Port Vale is saddened to hear of the death of flamboyant former Vale winger, Colin Grainger, who passed away on 19 June, nine days after his 89th birthday.
Born in Havercroft, West Yorkshire in June 1933, he began his football career with Wrexham, before moving on to Sheffield United, Sunderland and Leeds.
He won 7 caps for England, scoring twice on his debut in a 4-2 victory against Brazil in 1956.
He joined the Vale for £6,000 in October 1961 and scored on his debut v Torquay. He helped the club knock Sunderland out of the FA Cup but injuries limited his appearances.
By the time he had moved on to Doncaster Rovers in August 1964, he had scored 8 goals in 50 appearances for the Valiants. He later finished his senior career with Macclesfield Town.
He was also known as the 'Singing Winger' during his playing days and had a very good career as a singer, releasing singles and appearing on top TV shows, once earning £250 a week when the maximum he could earn as a footballer was £20 a week.
In 1963 he sang on the same bill as the Beatles, earning £50, whereas the Beatles had to share theirs four ways!
Our condolences go to his friends and family. RIP