Boy from Angmering School Who Made It: The Toby Collyer Tale

To the world, he’s Toby Collyer, a name that’s beginning to turn heads in the football world. But to those who know him back in his hometown, he’s simply that kid from Angmering School who once dared to dream big and finally made it happen. 

Toby Collyer’s rise to stardom hasn’t been a flashy one, but it’s more about his grit. Do you remember?… When former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick declared that the club needed “open-heart surgery” to rebuild, his first step in that transformation was signing this young defensive midfielder. Though the move flew under the radar, it was a bold statement of faith in Toby’s potential.

Hailed as one of the best English midfielders born in 2004, Toby Collyer has the skillset, vision, and versatility that make him a standout talent. But to understand what drives him on the pitch, you need to know where he came from, that is, his humble background, how the beautiful game started with him, and how his relentless drive to succeed brought him fame.

This biography takes you into the life of the young star who is already being seen as a glimmer of hope for the Red Devils and a key player in Ruben Amorim’s vision for the team. It’s a story about more than football—it’s about dreaming big and proving that with dedication, anything is possible.

Preamble:

Think of Toby Collyer, then think of a footballer with an unwavering ability to thrive under pressure. His background has shaped him into a player who can handle the weight of expectations and rise above challenges for his beloved club. This is a footballer who fights for every minute on the pitch, never backs down and is proving his worth to the point of making big names like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen question their roles at Manchester United.

Toby’s journey deserves to be shared. From his humble beginnings in Rustington village (in the Arun District of West Sussex) to his meteoric rise in football, we’ll dive into the key moments that shaped his career. We’ll walk through his childhood, his early footballing years, and the significant milestones that led him to fame.

Our goal? To inspire your love for football biographies as we bring you Toby Collyer’s incredible story. So, let’s unveil this journey, one that proves this midfielder has truly come a long way, both in life and on the pitch.

The Early Years of Toby Collyer:

For starters in his Biography reading, he is best known by his nickname, “Toby,” the name his fans love. His full name, though, is Tobias Christopher Collyer. This talented defensive midfielder was born on January 3, 2004, in the charming seaside town of Worthing, United Kingdom.

Toby grew up in Rustington, a quaint village nestled along the West Sussex coast. It’s a peaceful spot right between Chichester and Brighton, a perfect setting for a boy with big football dreams.

As a kid, Toby Collyer fell in love with football. He was a massive fan of Brighton & Hove Albion, the most famous football club in his hometown. At just seven years old, he watched with excitement as Falmer Stadium—now the American Express Stadium—was launched by his beloved club.

A Quiet Boy with Big Dreams:

His biggest dream back then? To visit the stadium with his family and cheer on his childhood heroes, players like Ashley Barnes, Glenn Murray, and Chris Wood. Oh yes, you got that right! It’s the same Chris Wood who seems ageless and still finds the back of the net with ease, now shining under Nuno Espírito Santo at Nottingham Forest.

Little did young Toby know, he was on a path that would lead him to a Manchester United team, where he’d be competing against Chris Wood Nottingham Forest team, some 15 years down the line.  At the age of 7, he joined Brighton’s academy, marking the beginning of an incredible journey.

At his new team, everyone noticed little Toby was a quiet and reserved boy but someone who had something special, a mentality and drive that stood out. Despite being shy, he never hesitated to seek guidance from others, always eager to learn and improve. Even as a child, it was clear Toby was determined to succeed at the highest level.

Where does Toby Collyer’s Family come from?

Toby Collyer hails from Worthing, a picturesque seaside town on the southern coast of England in West Sussex. As you can see from the photo below, Worthing is a town full of charm, rich history, and vibrant culture. It’s a place with roots going back to Roman times, and its stunning Victorian and Edwardian buildings give it a timeless, coastal appeal.

Just a short drive from Brighton, Worthing is one of the sunniest spots in the UK, basking in over 1,900 hours of sunshine every year. This sunny weather has made it a beloved holiday destination for both locals and visitors.

Here’s a glimpse of Toby Collyer’s hometown, offering a perfect mix of seaside beauty, historical charm, and a relaxing atmosphere that makes Worthing truly unique.

A Glimpse into His Ethnicity:

Toby Collyer was born to British parents, both of whom are of white British ethnicity. As a result, he identifies as white British, which reflects the predominant ethnic group in the United Kingdom. This background places Toby within the broader demographic of people with British heritage, common in areas like West Sussex, where he grew up. His upbringing in Worthing, a town with a mix of historical and modern British culture, contributed to shaping his identity and values.

Toby Collyer’s Education: His Journey at The Angmering School:

Toby Collyer went to The Angmering School, which opened its doors in 1975. Located in Angmering, West Sussex, it’s a coeducational secondary school and sixth form. Toby’s parents knew he wanted to pursue football, so they chose Angmering because of its Specialist Sports and Science College status, making it the perfect fit for his dreams. Angmering was the perfect environment for Toby to nurture his passion for football. Here, in this very place, young students play on the same fields where Toby once dreamed of a professional career. The school’s legacy as a Specialist Sports College has helped guide many athletes like Toby to greatness.

As Toby Collyer rose to fame at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, his former school couldn’t hide their pride. In Littlehampton, the charming seaside town in West Sussex, the buzz about an Angmering School student making his Premier League debut spread like wildfire. His teachers beamed with pride, applauding his dedication and calling him a true role model.

One of Toby Collyer’s former teachers, Ian Gooding, the assistant headteacher at Angmering School, described him as “absolutely grounded.” He praised Toby’s dedication to both sports and academics during his school years, calling him an incredible role model. According to Ian, Toby always had the “mentality and drive to succeed in top-level sport.” Today, his rise to playing for Manchester United serves as an inspiring example for Angmering School’s current students.

Ian Gooding, the assistant headteacher at Angmering School, also shared his pride, saying:

“I can’t tell you how proud we are as a school. Toby regularly visits us whenever his schedule allows and is always eager to support our current students. He was the epitome of hard work, always striving to improve, whether in football or his studies.”

Balancing Football and Studies: The Early Years of Toby Collyer

Toby Collyer was the definition of hard work back then as a schoolboy. Whether it was football or academics, he was always striving to improve. Despite being part of Brighton’s academy, Toby insisted on playing for Angmering School, showcasing his loyalty and passion for the game.

Though quiet by nature, it was clear he had the mentality and drive to succeed at the highest level. Even in his shy younger years, the youngster wasn’t afraid to seek guidance from others when he believed they could help him grow. Today, he stands as an incredible example for any young person aspiring to achieve greatness.

To the casual observer, Toby Collyer may not have turned heads during his academy days at Brighton. But the truth is, he was always regarded as a top prospect. From his early days on the South Coast to his move to Carrington in 2022 with Manchester United, Collyer’s talent has been undeniable.

What many football fans don’t realize is that it was Brighton that gave him the platform to hone his skills and grow as a player. During his time in Brighton’s academy, young Collyer balanced his footballing journey with life as a schoolboy in Sussex, proving his dedication both on and off the pitch.

From Brighton to Manchester United: Toby Collyer’s Rise from Academy to First Team:

Toby Collyer’s journey at Brighton began to shine from the under-12 level, where his impact was undeniable. By the age of 15, he had already made his debut for the under-18s. During the 2020-21 season, Collyer became a standout player, helping Brighton finish third in the Premier League South. He also played a key role in the team’s victory in the Premier League under-17s Cup, marking a memorable chapter in his young career.

Shortly after his 17th birthday, Toby Collyer achieved a significant milestone by making his under-23 debut for Brighton. He played the full 90 minutes against Tottenham Hotspur in January 2021, with high hopes of breaking into Graham Potter’s senior team. It was during this match that he caught the eye of former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick. By March 2022, Collyer had joined the Manchester United academy, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal and taking a big step toward fulfilling his football dreams.

After graduating from the Manchester United academy, Toby Collyer quickly made a mark with the under-21s in Premier League Two. His impressive performances earned him a professional contract with the club. It was Erik ten Hag who made sure Toby was included in the first-team squad, rewarding his hard work and potential.

Rise as Manchester United’s Midfield Star:

With Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo making their way into Manchester United’s first team from the academy, the door was opened for Toby Collyer too. Erik ten Hag, on the 1st day of September 2024, handed him his Premier League debut against Liverpool, bringing him on after Casemiro was taken off at half-time with United trailing 2-0. Despite the team’s poor performance and eventual struggles under ten Hag, even with Ruben Amorim’s efforts to turn things around, Collyer was called upon. As Casemiro and Eriksen failed to meet expectations in the fast-paced Premier League, Toby became the spark of hope in United’s midfield.

For a young lad with no senior football experience, Toby Collyer showed immense confidence in his FA Cup debut on January 12, 2025, against Arsenal. Even when his team was a man down due to a red card, Toby commanded the midfield like a seasoned pro. Manchester United fans were thrilled, seeing their very own N’Golo Kanté emerging. His performance was remarkable—running 13 kilometres a game, breaking up play, and forming a solid partnership with Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte. He played like he had been in the game for years. Even pundits and experts agreed that every team would love to have 11 Tobys, as he’s a game-changer: hard-working, intelligent, and always looking to improve.

Indeed, United and England fans are about to witness the rise of a global star who is not only talented but also a grounded and disciplined individual. As far as defensive midfielders go, Toby Collyer has the potential to become one of the best in the country—and perhaps the world. The journey ahead for him looks bright, and as they say, the rest is history.

Untold Facts:

In the final phase of Toby Collyer’s Biography, we’ll unveil more truths you might not know about him. Let’s get started.

Why Toby Collyer Deserves a Higher Rating in EA SPORTS FC 25: An Underrated Talent:

Toby Collyer is still a relatively new name in English football, and EA SPORTS FC 25 has yet to reflect his true potential in the game. With his impressive rise and level of play, he deserves far better stats than the current 59% overall and 74% potential rating he’s been given. It’s clear that Toby is severely underrated. Under Ruben Amorim’s management, his performances are pushing veteran players like Casemiro and Eriksen to the brink of retirement at Manchester United.

In our honest opinion, Toby Collyer deserves an 81% overall rating and an 87% potential rating based on his confident ball control in midfield. When it comes to style, he reminds us of rising stars like Carlos Baleba and Marc Casadó, both dynamic defensive midfielders with roots in Cameroon and Spain. Toby has even been compared to N’Golo Kanté and Declan Rice due to his similar ball-winning abilities. However, his EA SPORTS FC 25 stats fall short, clearly underestimating his true potential.

Toby Collyer’s Salary at Manchester United: Breaking Down His First Earnings:

Football fans are curious about where Toby Collyer ranks in Manchester United’s salary table. As of January 2025, the club’s highest earners include Casemiro, making £350,000 per week, followed by Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes at £300,000 each, and Mason Mount at £250,000 per week. Having signed his professional contract in 2024, Toby Collyer started with the lowest salary scale at Manchester United, earning £5,000 a week and €260,000 annually. By December 2024, he was just below teammates Kobbie Mainoo and Altay Bayındır, who earn £20,000 and £35,000 per week, respectively.

What is Toby Collyer’s Religion?

Worthing, a coastal town in West Sussex, England, is predominantly Christian, with most residents identifying as either Catholic or members of the Church of England. This reflects the broader religious trends across the UK. Given his background, it’s likely that Toby Collyer follows this tradition and shares the same Christian faith as many in his hometown.

End Note:

Collyer’s journey from a determined child in Worthing to a key player at United is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in a seaside town with a love for football, Toby’s early days at Angmering School laid the foundation for his future. His commitment to both academics and sports earned him respect from teachers like Ian Gooding, who saw in him the drive to succeed at the highest level.

Toby’s rise through the ranks began with Brighton’s academy, where his natural talent and hard work caught the attention of many. His determination to succeed took him from the under-12s to the under-18s, where he made a significant impact, helping Brighton win the Premier League Under-17s Cup in 2021. But it was his performance for Brighton’s under-23s that really turned heads, including former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick.

In 2022, Toby made the move to Manchester United, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal. Under Erik ten Hag, Toby’s potential began to shine, culminating in his Premier League debut against Liverpool. His hard work and discipline earned him a spot in the first team, and he quickly became a key figure in United’s midfield.

Toby’s time under Ruben Amorim has been transformative. When the team was struggling, Toby emerged as a beacon of hope, proving himself to be the new midfield engine alongside Amad Diallo. His determination, vision, and work ethic made him a crucial player, showing that he is more than ready for the challenges ahead.

Indeed, Collyer’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication. From his humble beginnings in Worthing to becoming a star at Manchester United, he has proved that with hard work and belief, anything is possible.

Appreciation Note and Your Feedback:

Thanks for taking the time to read Toby Collyer’s story! We strive for fairness as we highlight the rising stars in the defensive midfield department, like Toby, Manuel Locatelli, and Martin Zubimendi. If you notice anything that seems off in this story, feel free to drop us a comment. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Toby’s career and this exciting journey we’ve shared about him. Let us know what you think!