Francis Lee had a successful career in football, playing for Bolton, Derby, and Manchester City. He scored over 200 goals in the league and also represented England, scoring 10 goals in 27 matches. He later became the chairman of Manchester City from 1994 to 1998.
Francis Lee, the former England and Manchester City striker, has passed away at the age of 79 after battling cancer.
Lee achieved great success in his career. He won two old First Division titles and scored over 200 goals. He also had the honor of representing England 27 times, finding the net 10 times. Lee’s impressive career spanned 17 years.
Lee began his career at Bolton, scoring 92 goals in 182 matches. Later, he joined City for a then record-breaking fee of £60k. He contributed to the club’s success by winning the First Division title in 1968, as well as the FA Cup in 1969 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1970.
He was the leading goal scorer for City for five seasons in a row from 1969/70 to 1973/74. He won the club’s Player of the Year award in 1970 and the 1971 Golden Boot award.
Lee moved to Derby in 1974 and helped the club win the First Division title that year. He scored 12 goals, including the winning goal against City.
After Lee retired in 1976, he started a business and hired comedian Peter Kay to work in his toilet paper factory.
He became chairman of City in 1994 but stepped down four years later when the club was close to being relegated to the third tier of English football. In 2016, Lee received a CBE for his contributions to charity and football.
A City statement said: “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.
“As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast.”
Bolton Wanderers posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “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.”
Former Manchester City striker Paul Dickov also posted on X: “Such sad news to hear of the passing Francis Lee. A gentleman, proper football man with a great sense of humour.
“The main reason I signed for Man City was his sheer love for the club and will be forever grateful. Love and condolences to all his family and friends. RIP Mr Chairman.”
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