Francis Lee, Iconic Striker of Manchester City, England, Bolton, and Derby, Passes Away at 79

 

Francis Lee, Iconic Striker of Manchester City, England, Bolton, and Derby, Passes Away at 79

Francis Lee, a football icon known for his remarkable career, has sadly passed away at the age of 79. Lee's legacy in the world of football is marked by his incredible achievements, both as a player and as a prominent figure within Manchester City.

During his illustrious eight-year tenure at Manchester City, Lee was a prolific scorer, notching an impressive 148 goals in 330 appearances. His contributions played a pivotal role in securing numerous honors for the club, including the coveted old First Division title in 1968. This triumph is etched in the annals of City's history as a defining moment.

Lee, whose football journey began at Bolton Wanderers, transitioned to Derby County after his tenure at City. His time with the Rams was equally impressive, helping them clinch their second league title in 1975. Lee's talents extended beyond club football, as he represented England on the international stage, earning 27 caps and scoring 10 goals for his nation.

In a heartfelt statement, Manchester City announced Lee's passing, describing him as "a club legend in every sense" and one of City's "all-time greats." Lee had been battling cancer for an extended period before his passing, making his loss even more poignant.

During his tenure at Manchester City, Lee's trophy cabinet was adorned with an FA Cup, a League Cup, the European Cup Winners' Cup, and the Charity Shield twice. His impact on the club was so profound that he returned in 1994, this time as the chairman, serving for four years in that role. Lee's family, including his wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny, and Nik, expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from well-wishers during this challenging time.

The football community, including Manchester City, is deeply saddened by Lee's passing, and tributes are expected to pour in over the coming days. As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast.

Francis Lee's football journey began in Westhoughton, Lancashire, where he started his career with Bolton Wanderers. As a 16-year-old in 1959, he broke into the Bolton side and went on to score an impressive 106 goals in 210 games over eight seasons before making the move to Manchester City for a then-club-record fee of £60,000.

Bolton Wanderers, where Lee's football journey began, also paid tribute to the late forward, extending their condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.