News

Colin Bridger

19 Jan 2024

Occasionally, a player earns the right of being called a ‘club legend’. That is certainly the case for Alton Town’s Colin Bridger who sadly passed away recently in Frimley, Surrey.

Colin first appeared on the club’s team sheet in 1953, and was almost ever present for the next fifteen seasons. Primarily a centre half, he combined the skills of England pair Jack Charlton and Bobby Moore, or modern day Van Dyke and Henderson, he was equally home as a playmaker as a defender.

Colin had played as an amateur for Arsenal FC prior to joining Alton. He went on to captain Alton during two long runs in the FA Amateur Cup ten years apart, the appearance in the quarter-final of the competition in 1962 being among the club’s many achievements under his captainship.

Pictured: Alton Town mascot, Mr Alf Dibley’s saddleback pig (wearing Alton’s black and white ribbons), is presented to the team captain Colin Bridger before the 1957-58 season Hampshire Senior Cup final tie at The Dell. Alton Town beat Cowes Sports 7-2 on the day.