Former England striker and Manchester City legend Francis Lee has died at the age of 79.
Lee is the Citizens’ seventh-highest scorer in the club’s history after netting 148 goals in 330 appearances between 1967 and 1974.
The Westhoughton-born striker scored 16 goals to help City win the 1967-68 First Division title, while he also won one FA Cup, one League Cup, a European Cup Winners’ Cup and two Charity Shields during a legendary eight-year spell at the club.
Lee began his career with local club Bolton Wanderers, breaking into the senior side as a 16-year-old back in 1959, and he went on to score 92 goals in 182 appearances before joining Man City for a then club-record £60,000 fee.
The striker ended his career with Derby County, scoring 25 times in 62 games as well as winning the First Division title and Charity Shield during a two-year period before hanging up his boots in 1976.
Lee also earned 27 caps for England, scoring 10 goals between 1968 and 1972, and he was part of the Three Lions team that reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 1970.
After retiring from football in 1976, Lee went into business and famously employed comedian Peter Kay in his toilet roll business.
Lee later returned to Man City as chairman in 1994, spending four years at the helm.
A statement on Man City’s official website read:
“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.
A Club legend in every sense, Francis made 330 appearances for City, scoring 148 goals.
He won one First Division title, one FA Cup, one League Cup, a European Cup Winners’ Cup and two Charity Shields during a glittering eight-year spell as a player – a legacy that ensures his position among Manchester City’s all-time greats is secure.
He would later return to City as club Chairman in 1994, spending four years at the helm.
“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.
“Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
A statue outside the Etihad Stadium commemorating Francis’ legacy has been commissioned, as confirmed by Club Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak in May 2022.
“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.
Man City will play in two away games against RB Leipzig and Arsenal before their next home fixture after the international break against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on October 21
