RIP COLIN MCDONALD
It is with sadness that we report the death of our own Colin McDonald who passed away on Newe Year's Day 2026 at the age of 95. Born in 1930 and brought up in Tottington, Colin's childhood was almost brought to an untimely end in the German bombing of England at Christmas 1944. Young Colin narrowly survived an assault which destroyed houses opposite St Anne's Church where Whitehead Gardens now stands.
A talented sportsman whose father Tom had played professionally in Scotland and England, Colin's first forays into football were as a winger and subsequently goalkeeper for Hawkshaw St Mary's FC. He caught the eye of Burnley scouts in 1948 and initially joined the club as an amateur. After a spell of national service in the RAF and a short spell at Headington FC, Colin signed professional terms with Burnley in 1951. He served time as the club's reserve keeper before making his first team debut in 1953. Colin very quickly emerged as a major star, securing the goalkeeper's spot and shining with his bravery, safe hands and excellent awareness as Burnley remained a fixture in the top flight of English football throughtout the 1950s.
His meteoric rise resulted in a call up for the England national team, his debut in 1958 against the USSR coming in front of more than 101,000 fans. Colin's crowning moments came in the 1958 World Cup where he played every game and kept a clean sheet against eventual winners Brazil and their host of famous faces. This shutout famously led to the Brazilians calling up the 17 year old Pele in their next match. He would also secure 11th place in the 1958 Ballon d'Or award for the world's greatest players, surely the only time anyone from Tottington has featured in that august list!
After a horrific leg injury ended his football career in March 1959, Colin moved into football administration alongside charity work. His tenure as a scout at Bury FC unearthed future England greats Colin Bell and Terry McDermott among others, and he also enjoyed spells at Bolton Wanderers and Oldham Athletic. During his time at Boundary Park he spotted Andy Goram, another Tottington resident, cricketer for East Lancs Paper Mill, and future Scottish international goalkeeper. Away from football, Colin was a keen cricketer, regularly turning out for Tottington St John's in the 1960s, with reports mentioning a North Manchester Cricket League century in 1965. He continued to serve an active life in and out of football, was a devoted husband to Anne, and retained a keen interest in local and national sport.
Colin passed away on January 1st 2026, aged 95, survived by Anne. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends and salute the incredible life and career of one of our own.
