Back to the Crystal Palace Newsfeed

Tony Collins: 1926-2021

Former Crystal Palace winger, Tony Collins, has died aged 94.

Collins is widely considered to be the club's first black player after joining in 1957 and was recently described by Roy Hodgson as "an enormous pioneer".

Born in Kensington in 1926, Collins began his playing career with Acton United before being conscripted to military service during the Second World War.

Upon his return to England, Collins represented a range of teams, including Watford and Torquay United, before joining Palace in 1957. He would go on to make 61 appearances and score 16 goals for the club.