Colin Harry Appleton (7 March 1936 – 31 May 2021) was an English footballer and manager. He was captain of the celebrated Leicester side nicknamed the "ice kings" which chased the double in 1962-63 and he also captained the club to their first ever major honour, winning the 1964 League Cup.
Playing career
Leicester City
Appleton began his career as a youngster with his hometown club of Scarborough before joining Leicester City in March 1954, just days after his 18th birthday, after being recommended to manager Norman Bullock by then Scarborough manager and former Leicester player Reg Halton. He made his first team debut just six months later against Manchester City, though he made just five senior appearances over the next two years as he tried to balance his football schedule with his national service.
However, in the 1956-57 season he began to see more first team action, helping Leicester on their to the Second Division title. However, it was not until the appointment of Matt Gillies in November 1958 until Appleton's career at Leicester really began to blossom. Under Gillies, Appleton made the number 6 shirt his own and forged a fearsome half-back line partnership with Frank McLintock and Ian King.
He helped Leicester reach the 1961 FA Cup Final against Tottenham Hotspur, managed by fellow 'Scarborian' Bill Nicholson. The Spurs side also contained Malton-born Terry Dyson. Gillies made him club captain soon after, which saw him captain one of the most celebrated sides in the club's history as Leicester chased the double in 1962-63. Though it would eventually amount to nothing as Leicester eventually collapsed at the end of the league season and ended up finishing in a disappointing 4th position, the club then lost 3–1 to Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
However Appleton did captain Leicester to their first ever major trophy, winning the 1964 League Cup and also scored in the first leg of the 1965 League Cup Final, as they reached the competition's final for the second consecutive season, however he could not prevent his team losing to Chelsea, going down 3–2 on aggregate.
He was awarded a testimonial at Leicester in 1964 in recognition of his services to the club and moved on to Charlton Athletic two years later after 12 years with the club.