Rochdale's appointment of Tony Collins as manager in 1960 marked a significant milestone in English football history. Collins, born to a white woman and an unknown black father in March 1926, became the first black manager in the English professional football league. At just 34 years old, Collins took the reins at Rochdale, a tiny team on the outskirts of Manchester in northwest England. His chairman, Frank Ratcliffe, applauded the board's decision, stating that Collins was 'a colored boy' of great character. Collins' mantra later in his career was 'character,' which he believed was essential in determining a footballer's progression through the game. He preferred to focus on character and quality rather than discussing his race. Collins' daughter, Sarita, has collected hundreds of articles relating to her father's career, including his time as a player, manager, and scout. She co-authored a biography about his life, titled 'Football's master spy.' While Collins' race was rarely mentioned in the press, Sarita believes it prevented him from achieving more as a player and denied him an international career. Collins, now 90 and living in a care home in northeast Manchester, prefers to talk about football for football's sake. His legacy continues to inspire, and his appointment at Rochdale remains a groundbreaking moment in English football history. Collins' career spanned over 50 years, including his time as a scout at Manchester United in the 1980s, where he worked alongside Ron Atkinson. He never signed a player without knowing his character, believing that bad characters could upset the team and outside parties. Collins' story serves as a reminder of the importance of character and quality in football. His impact on the sport continues to be felt, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come. Rochdale's decision to appoint Collins as manager was a revolutionary move, paving the way for future generations of black managers in English football. In October 2015, a study found that just 23 of 552 elite coaching roles in the game were held by black or minority ethnic individuals, highlighting the need for greater diversity in the sport.