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OBITUARY: The fastest wide man in English football liked John Lennon and thought Ringo Starr was 'dozy' when he shared a bill with the Beatles... and 'singing winger' Colin Grainger's career hit the high notes with goals against Brazil on his England debu

You do not earn a nickname like the 'singing winger' without having an eventful life and no one can say Colin Grainger did not live his to its fullest.

Grainger, who has died at the age of 89, was once the fastest wide man in English football, running down the wing for Sheffield United, Sunderland, Leeds and more. He famously scored twice against Brazil on his England debut.

Yet it was his talent for singing which saw this West Yorkshire-born footballer sign to the HMV record label.

Colin Grainger made more outings for Sunderland, between 1957 to 1960, than any other club
Grainger (fourth from right) stands left of Sir Tom Finney in this photo from their England duty

He found success in this new career, too, even sharing the bill with the Beatles at shows in Stockport and Manchester in 1963 while he was a player for Port Vale.