Colin Franks
Colin James Franks 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.
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. 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.
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. At the end of the season, he transferred to First Division Sheffield United for a fee of £60,000.
After six years and 150 league appearances for United, 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.
