Former Vale player Colin “singing winger” Grainger passes away aged 89
Former England winger Colin Grainger has died at the age of 89, it has been announced.
During a long and distinguished career, Grainger had spells with Leeds United, Sunderland, Sheff Utd and Doncaster Rovers. He also won seven England caps.
Known as the “singing winger” he also had a lucrative sideline as a professional singer. In 1963, he even shared the bill with the Beatles.
Port Vale career
Grainger joined Port Vale in 1961 with manager Norman Low paying £6,000 for the veteran. He scored on his debut and was then instrumental as the Valiants defeated his former club Sunderland in the FA Cup. Injuries started to affect his availability and he then fell out of favour with new manager Freddie Steele. He was released in 1964 and subsequently joined Doncaster Rovers. His Vale career comprised of fifty games and eight goals.
Our features on Colin Grainger
We published this article on OVF some time ago when Colin brought out his autobiography. It gives Grainger’s views on Port Vale legend Roy Sproson
We also took a look at Grainger’s role in the FA Cup win over his former side Sunderland in this feature
Flashback: Port Vale’s “singing winger” knocks Clough’s Sunderland out of the FA Cup
Colin Grainger 1933 – 2022 RIP forever Valiant