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Manchester City legend Colin Bell dies aged 74

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

Colin Bell has passed away aged 74
Colin Bell has passed away aged 74 / Tim Graham/Getty Images
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Former Manchester City and England midfielder Colin Bell has died, aged 74, after a short illness.

Bell is a City legend, making just shy of 500 appearances for the club and winning the First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup. He was also capped 48 times by his country during his career, featuring for the Three Lions at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

The sad news was broken by a statement published on City's website, which read: "It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Manchester City legend Colin Bell.

"Colin passed away peacefully this afternoon after a short, non-Covid related illness, aged 74. He leaves behind wife Marie, children Jon and Dawn and grandchildren, Luke, Mark, Isla and Jack."

Bell was nicknamed 'Colin the King' by City supporters and a stand at the Etihad Stadium was renamed in his honour back in 2004.

Citizens chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak added his own tribute to one of the club's finest players.

Bell helped City win a host of honours during his career
Bell helped City win a host of honours during his career / Evening Standard/Getty Images

"Colin Bell will always be remembered as one of Manchester City’s greatest players and the very sad news today of his passing will affect everybody connected to our club.

“I am fortunate to be able to speak regularly to his former manager and teammates, and it’s clear to me that Colin was a player held in the highest regard by all those who had the privilege of playing alongside him or seeing him play. The passage of time does little to erase the memories of his genius. The fact that we have a stand at the Etihad Stadium named after Colin speaks volumes about the importance of his contribution to this club.

“Our club has lost a true great. Everyone’s thoughts and best wishes are with Colin’s family.”

Bell started his career at Bury where he spent three years before making the switch to City. After leaving Maine Road he enjoyed a brief stint at San Jose Earthquakes before retiring in 1980.

In his later years he conducted significant charitable work and received an MBE for services to the community in 2004.

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