Tommy Caton

Thomas Stephen Caton (6 October 1962 – 30 April 1993) was an English footballer who played as a centre half for Manchester City, Arsenal, Oxford United and Charlton Athletic. Caton captained both Manchester City and Oxford United and was named as City's Player of the Year in 1982.

He made 14 appearances for the England under-21 team.

Career

Manchester City Born in Kirkby, Lancashire, Caton was a centre half who played for and captained England schoolboys before signing for Manchester City as an apprentice in 1978. He was a member of the City team that reached and lost in the 1979

He reached 100 First Division games on 6 March 1982; at the age of 19 years and 5 months he was the youngest player in Football League history to achieve this feat. He was also named City's Player of the Year for 1981–82. Caton scored eight goals during his spell at Maine Road, the first one coming in a 1–1 draw at Nottingham Forest on 13 March 1982, and he scored twice against Arsenal on 4 December 1982.

Oxford United In February 1987, Caton was sold to Oxford United for £160,000. He was named club captain soon after his arrival and helped them avoid relegation from the First Division during his opening months at the Manor Ground.

Charlton Athletic He remained at Oxford until 18 November 1988, when he was sold to Charlton Athletic for £100,000 At the age of 30, a month after he announced his retirement, Caton suddenly died of a heart attack at home in Oxfordshire.

Honours Manchester City FA Youth Cup runner-up: 1978–79, FA Cup runner-up: 1980–81

England Under-21 UEFA Under-21 European Championship: 1982

Individual Manchester City Player of the Year: 1982