Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

United Kingdom

Manchester City legend Colin Bell dies aged 74

Footballer Colin Bell – one of England’s most gifted players – has died.

He was aged 74.

Bell played for Manchester City for 13 years – 1966 to 1979.

Advertisement

He is regarded as one of the greatest players to have worn the City shirt.

He scored 152 goals in 492 appearnces.

A stand at the club’s Maine Road ground is named after him.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said:

“Colin Bell will always be remembered as one of Manchester City’s greatest players.

“The very sad news today of his passing will affect everybody connected to our club.”

As a mark of respect, City players will wear a 60s style shirt with Bell’s number 8 on the back when they play local rivals Manchester United tonight (Wednesday).

The former England international – 48 caps – died after a short non-Covid related illness.

At City he formed a key playing partnership with Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee.

Both Manchester City and Manchester United were in their pomp at the time – a showcase around the world for English football,

A Manchester City statement said:

“It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Manchester City legend Colin Bell.

“Colin passed away peacefully this afternoon after a short, non-Covid related illness, aged 74.

“He leaves behind wife Marie, children Jon and Dawn and grandchildren, Luke, Mark, Isla and Jack.”

Bell won the First Division – now the Premier league – in 1967-68.

The following year he held the FA Cup after City beat Leicester City 1-0 at Wembley.

In 1970 he won the League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Bell once said: “I was put on this earth to be a footballer.

“I just thought, at the back of my mind, even though I was going through school, I would become a professional footballer.”

He was awarded an MBE in 2004 for services to the community.

 

Comments

You May Also Like

United Kingdom

Film director Ridley Scott has recalled the death of actor Oliver Reed while making the Oscar winning blockbuster Gladiator. Scott said hard-drinking Reed “just...

Business

The controversial Russian businessman Viktor Baturin, well-known for his years-long counterstanding with his wealthy sister Elena, widow of Moscow ex-mayor Yuri Luzhkov, is likely...

United Kingdom

The Tremeloes. Dave Munden centre Dave Munden the Tremeloes drummer – and often lead singer – with the 60s chart toppers has died. He...

United Kingdom

The Watneys Party Seven is making a comeback. The ubiquitous 70s beer was a bland fizzing bitter ridiculed by many. The drink’s insipidness helped...