Colin Anderson was one of many young players from the North East who, at one time, moved south to become apprentices with Burnley. After first playing in Devon for Torquay United, Colin had made a successful move to West Bromwich Albion before finishing his professional career with Exeter City in the mid-1990s. 

Colin signed professional terms for Burnley in April 1980 and, within six months, had made his Football League debut against Fulham at Craven Cottage. After just playing six games Colin briefly returned home to appear for North Shields before being snapped up by Torquay United in September 1982. Quickly establishing himself at Plainmoor, Colin made the headlines in 1984 when a training ground altercation with manager Bruce Rioch led to the former Scottish international’s resignation. Colin, who was twice player of the year at Torquay, moved to West Bromwich Albion in March 1985 for a fee of £20,000 for whom he scored ten times in 140 league games. He was then with Walsall in 1991/92 ahead of spending two seasons with Hereford United.

Now aged thirty-two Colin returned to Devon in July 1994 when he signed for Exeter City making his debut at Lincoln City followed by, in February 1995, scoring his first and only goal for the club at Scarborough. Staying for a second season Colin appeared in a total of 34 league games for City as his career began to wound down. Released in May 1996 he subsequently played for both Teignmouth and Dawlish Town.