We have been notified that the funeral of Tony Collins will take place this Tuesday, February 23rd, at Rochdale Crematorium.
The funeral procession will stop by Crown Oil Arena on its way to the Crematorium, at around 12.30pm-12.45pm. The cars are expected to turn onto the club Car Park.
Fans who live locally and wish to pay their respects are invited to do so by Tony's family, but are asked to adhere to the latest Government guidelines. They are happy for supporters to applaud.
The 94-year-old, who sadly passed away earlier this month, was a true pioneer of the game. Having joined Rochdale in 1959, he was appointed as player-manager of the Club a season later, becoming the first black manager in English league football. He continued in the dual-role for a short-time before retiring from playing and stayed in charge of the side until 1967.
During his seven years in charge at Dale, Tony led the Club to the 1962 League Cup Final. To this day, it ranks as one of only two League Cup final appearances by a fourth-tier side.