December 22, 2024
Manchester City’s legend Francis Henry Lee who represented the club from 1967-1974 has been announced dead.
The 2010 hall of fame inductee and former Chairman of the Manchester City battled a prolong cancer before his demise.
“It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and chairman Francis Lee, aged 79.
“Franny passed away in the early hours of this [Monday] morning after a long battle with cancer.
“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.”
Bolton also paid homage to their late legend via their X handle.
“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.”
Born 29th April 1944 in Westhoughton, Lancashire, England, Lee won trophies in the clubs he represented during his 15 years spell.
The late striker also hold the English record for the highest number of penalties scored in a season.
Lee began his professional career with Bolton Wanderers in 1961 at 17-years-old and stayed for seven seasons bagging 106 goals in 210 appearances. He then completed a club record fee of £60,000 to Manchester City where he scored 148 goals in 330 appearances.
During his time with the Cityzens, Lee won the first division title in 1968, FA Cup in 1969, League Cup in 1970 and European Cup Winners’ Cup the same year and two Charity Shields within the period of eight seasons.
However, he ended his professional footballing career at Derby County where he won the League title in 1975, adding to numerous trophies he won with City during his eight-year spell with the club.
At one point he held the record of scoring goals, 10 at Manchester derby until was broken by Wayne Rooney in 2013 with a goal.
During Francis Lee’s brief stint with the Three Lions, he scored 10 goals in 27 appearances including the Mexico 1970 world cup.
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