Swansea City saddened by passing of former manager Colin Appleton

Swansea City is saddened to learn of the passing of the club’s former manager Colin Appleton at the age of 85.

Appleton had a short stint in charge of the Swans in 1984, taking the reins for just under seven months and 18 games during a challenging time following the club’s fall from the heights of the top-flight.

Appleton was best known for a distinguished playing career, the highlight of which was a 12-year spell with Leicester.

As a wing half he made over 300 league appearances for the Foxes, and played in two FA Cup finals and two League Cup finals.

Leicester were victorious in one of those finals, the 1964 League Cup final against Stoke, with Appleton skippering them to their first major honour over two legs.

He managed Barrow and Scarborough, and went on to lead Hull City to promotion from the Fourth Division in 1983, before narrowly missing out on repeating the feat in the Third Division the following campaign.

After his short spell with Swansea, Appleton would manage Exeter City and Hull again before retiring.

Everyone at Swansea City sends their sincere condolences to Colin’s family and friends at this sad time.