Francis Lee dies at 79 as Man City pay tribute to legendary player and chairman

02 October 2023 , 15:08

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Francis Lee was a legendary former player and chairman of Manchester City

Former Manchester City player and chairman Francis Lee has died at the age of 79 after a battle with cancer, the club have announced.

City have paid tribute to a figure they describe as "a club legend in every sense", with Lee making 330 appearances for City and scoring 148 goals.

They said: "It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee. Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.

"As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast."

Lee passed away in the early hours of Monday morning after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik. He picked up the First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup, Cup Winners' Cup and two Charity Shields during his eight-year playing career with the club.

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Lee had joined City from Bolton in 1967 when manager Joe Mercer paid £60,000 for his services. He was the top scorer in four successive seasons for the club, and notched the penalty which won them the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1970 when they beat Polish club Gornik Zabrze 2-1 in the final in Vienna.

The forward played for England at the 1970 World Cup, where he became the first English player ever to receive a card at the tournament. and after his successful spell at City he would go on to win the league title with Derby County after joining them in 1974. He picked up 27 caps for England, scoring 10 goals.

Lee scored 148 goals across eight seasons with City (PA)

Bolton tweeted: "All at Bolton Wanderers are saddened to learn of the passing of former forward, Francis Lee. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Francis' family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time."

After becoming a successful businessman following his retirement from football by running a toilet roll company, Lee returned to City as Chairman in 1994 when he bought £3million worth of shares.

He stayed in the role for four years but left in 1998 with the club on the brink of relegation to the third tier. Lee remained involved with City though, and was frequently seen at the club prior to being taken ill.

Mark Jones