Colin Franks

Colin James Franks (born 16 April 1951) is an English former footballer. At the start of his career he played predominantly as a midfielder, but he was increasingly used as a defender towards the end of his career.[1][2]

Colin Franks
Personal information
Full name Colin James Franks
Date of birth (1951-04-16) 16 April 1951
Place of birth Wembley, London, England
Position(s) Midfielder/defender
Youth career
Boreham Wood
Uxbridge
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1967–1969 Wealdstone
1969–1973 Watford 112 (8)
1973–1979 Sheffield United 150 (2)
1979–1982 Toronto Blizzard 103 (10)
1982 Edmonton Drillers 11 (1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Born in Wembley, Franks started his career as an amateur in the North London and Hertfordshire area, with Boreham Wood, Uxbridge and Wealdstone. He turned professional in 1969, joining newly promoted Second Division side Watford.[3] Although largely a reserve during his first two seasons at the club, he played a part in Watford's run to the semi-finals of the 1969–70 FA Cup, and played in the third place play-off match.[1]

Franks established himself as a regular in the Watford first team in the 1971–72 season with 44 appearances, but his team were unable to stave off relegation to the Third Division. Nonetheless, Franks consolidated on his individual progress in 1972–73, playing all 50 competitive Watford fixtures and finishing second in the inaugural Watford F.C. Player of the Season vote.[1][4] At the end of the season, he transferred to First Division Sheffield United for a fee of £60,000.[3]

After six years and 150 league appearances for United,[5] Franks joined Canadian North American Soccer League franchise Toronto Blizzard for the start of their 1979 season. He played for them in both the North American Soccer League and NASL indoor. He finished his career with a brief spell at Edmonton Drillers.[2][3]

References
  1. Jones, Trefor (1998). Watford Season by Season. T.G. Jones. pp. 148–155, 230. ISBN 0-9527458-1-X.
  2. "North American Soccer League players: Colin Franks". NASL Jerseys. Retrieved 19 February 2011.
  3. Trefor Jones (1996). The Watford Football Club Illustrated Who's Who. T.G. Jones. p. 89. ISBN 0-9527458-0-1.
  4. Phillips, Oliver (1991). The Official Centenary History of Watford FC 1881–1991. Watford Football Club. p. 272. ISBN 0-9509601-6-0.
  5. "Colin Franks". Neil Brown. Retrieved 19 February 2011.
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