Former England, Manchester City, Derby County, and Bolton striker Francis Lee passed away at the age of 79.
Francis Lee had a 17-year playing career with Bolton, Derby, and Manchester City. He scored more than 200 league goals in his career and 10 goals in 27 England appearances. From 1994 to 1998, he also served as the club’s chairman.
Francis Lee, a former England and Manchester City striker, passed away at the age of 79 following a cancer struggle.
In a 17-year career, Lee won two previous First Division championships, amassed more than 200 goals overall, and made 10 goals in 27 appearances for England.
Before signing to City for a then-club-record £60k, Lee began his career with Bolton, where he scored 92 goals in 182 appearances. In addition to the FA Cup in 1969 and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1970, he would assist the team in winning the First Division championship in 1968.
He led City in goals for five straight seasons, from 1969–70 to 1973–74, and was honored with the club’s Player of the Year and Golden Boot awards in 1970 and 1971.
In 1974, Lee moved to Derby, where he scored 12 goals, including the game-winning goal versus City, to help the team win the First Division championship.
After quitting the game in 1976, Lee entered the business world and notably hired comedian Peter Kay for his toilet paper company.
He took over as chairman of City in 1994, but he left the position four years later, just before the team was about to be demoted to English football’s third division. For his contributions to football and philanthropy, Lee was given the CBE in 2016.
According to a statement from the City, Franny died early this morning following a protracted fight with cancer. He will be dearly missed, according to his wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny, and Nik, who also appreciate everyone for their nice thoughts.
“Everyone at Manchester City would like to express their condolences to Francis’ friends and family at this very trying time,” they said.
Flags at half-mast are flying around the City Football Academy and Etihad Stadium as a sign of respect.
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