Initially an apprentice with Coventry City, Colin Randell had appeared in 139 league games for Plymouth Argyle when he signed for Exeter City in 1977. Playing nearly eighty league games during his two seasons at St James’ Park, he followed manager Bob Saxton back to Home Park where he was to feature in another hundred league matches in a 437-game Football League career. 

A former Welsh Schools and future Under-23 international, Colin joined Coventry City as an apprentice signing a full contract in May 1970 but never made a league appearance and moved to Plymouth Argyle in September 1973. He played in the Argyle sides that reached the semi-final of the Football League Cup in 1973/74 and won promotion in 1974/75 whilst making a total of 139 league appearances scoring nine goals.

Colin followed his Argyle team mate Bobby Saxton, now manager at Exeter City, to St James’ Park in September 1977 for a fee of £10,000. Making his debut at Peterborough United, he went on to feature in 40 league matches scoring one goal (against Lincoln City) in his first season at St. James’ Park. He was just as consistent the following season, but with Saxton having become manager of Plymouth Argyle, the midfielder returned to Home Park in July 1979 for a fee of £60,000 where he added another 110 league appearances and eight goals.

Colin again followed Saxton, who had become manager of Blackburn Rovers, signing for the Ewood Park club in August 1982 for £40,000. Making 73 league appearances (seven goals) for the Lancashire club, he moved to Newport County in March 1984 and Swansea City in July 1985. Later manager of both Barry Town and Briton Ferry Athletic, he also worked in a fitness capacity with South Wales Police.