Arsenal Players

General Information

Colin Addison (born May 18, 1940) is a former English footballer and manager best known for his brief playing stint with Arsenal in the early 1960s and his extensive coaching career that spanned several clubs and countries.

Early Life
Addison was born in Taunton, Somerset. He began his footballing career at York City in the late 1950s, where his performances as a talented inside forward quickly earned him a move to a higher level.

Arsenal Career (1961–1966)
Addison joined Arsenal in 1961 from York City. Though he wasn’t a consistent first-team regular, he contributed significantly during his time at Highbury, making over 100 appearances and scoring 45 goals. His skill on the ball and intelligent play made him a useful attacking option, particularly during a transitional era for the club.

Later Playing Career
After leaving Arsenal in 1966, Addison went on to play for Nottingham Forest and later Sheffield United, continuing to offer his experience and creativity from midfield and forward positions. He eventually moved into player-management at Hereford United, a club where he made a substantial mark.

Managerial Career
Addison’s coaching journey was vast and varied. He is particularly remembered for leading Hereford United to national attention in the early 1970s, most notably during the FA Cup upset over Newcastle United. He also managed teams across the UK and abroad, including Swansea City, Derby County, Atlético Madrid, and clubs in Qatar and South Africa. His global coaching career demonstrated adaptability and deep football knowledge.

Playing Style
As a player, Addison was technically gifted and tactically aware. He was primarily an inside forward but could adapt to several attacking roles. His passing range and positional awareness were among his key strengths.

Legacy
While not as widely remembered for his Arsenal tenure as some, Colin Addison’s contributions during a challenging time for the club and his impressive managerial career make him a respected figure in English football. His longevity in the game, across continents and levels, speaks to his passion and football intelligence.