Man City hero Lee was an England star, toilet roll millionaire and so much more
Manchester City legend Francis Lee played football with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips.
And that broad, cheeky grin after scoring one sensational goal prompted Match of the Day commentator Barry Davies to famously exclaim: “Look at his face, just look at his face!”
That 1974 wonder strike from Lee was in the colours of Derby County against his former club City, making it even sweeter for the barrel-chested Bolton born striker.
Lee, 79, who died on Monday, became a Manchester City legend and fans favourite after joining them in 1967, following eight years at his home town club. He helped the Sky Blues win the First Division title in 1968, the FA Cup the following year and the League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup the year after that. He scored 148 goals in 330 appearances during an eight-year spell at City.
But rival fans gave him the nickname Lee Won Pen for the perceived ease in which he went down in the box to earn a spot kick, which he invariably hammered home.
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When he left City for Derby in 1974, he helped the East Midlands club clinch the title the following year. Lee won 27 caps for England, scoring 10 goals, and played in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
Francis Lee celebrates scoring against Liverpool in 1974 (Colorsport/REX/Shutterstock)He hung up his boots after two years at County and in his final season fans and TV viewers saw him trade punches with Leeds United defender Norman Hunter in a clash which got both players sent off.
Lee said later: “It’s a good job I didn’t get in the dressing room afterwards, as I might have just been coming out on parole now.”
Lee went on to have a successful career outside the game, running a toilet roll business which made him a multi-millionaire. His entrepreneurial spirit had first manifested itself as a teen when he used an old brewery lorry to collect waste paper.
And it was this market he exploited, ploughing his football earnings into setting up FH Lee Ltd, which specialised in waste paper recycling and haulage, before expanding into toilet roll, kitchen roll, foil and cling film. He eventually sold the company for £8.35million in 1984, making £6m.
Lee also trained racehorses and returned to City as chairman after buying the club in 1994. But City were in the midst of a barren spell and on their way down to the third tier when Lee resigned in 1998. He retained shares in the club until selling to Thaksin Shinawatra in 2007 And continued to attend City games regularly.
Lee was made CBE for services to sport and charity in 2016. He died after a long battle with cancer and is survived by his wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik.
Francis Lee With Son Gary Lee (David Thorpe/Daily Mail/REX/Shutterstock)
After receiving a CBE in 2016 (Getty Images)City said in a statement on Monday: “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.”
City added: “Franny passed away in the early hours of this morning after a long battle with cancer. His wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik say he will be sorely missed and would like to thank everyone for their kind words.
“As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast. More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.”
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Lee spent eight seasons at first club Bolton, scoring 106 goals in 210 games after breaking into the side at the age of 16, before City splashed out a then club-record £60,000 to sign him in 1967. The club posted online: “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.”
Derby also sent their condolences, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of 1974/75 title-winner Francis Lee. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him.’’
Former City and Scotland star Paul Dickov, who was a striker at the club from 1996 to 2002, posted: “Such sad news to hear of the passing of Francis Lee. A gentleman, proper football man with a great sense of humour.
“The main reason I signed for Man City with his sheer love for the club, I will be forever grateful.
“Love and condolences to all his family and friends. RIP Mr Chairman.”
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