Manchester City legend Colin Bell dies age 74

Manchester City legend Colin Bell has passed away at the age of 74, it has been confirmed by the club.

Bell spent 13 years as a player at Maine Road, winning both the first and second division titles as well as the FA Cup, League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup.

He has a stand named in his honour at the club’s Etihad stadium, and remained a club ambassador and a constant presence on match-days during his retirement.

Manchester City legend Colin Bell has passed away at the age of 74

A club statement 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 is often regarded as one of the finest players in the history of the club, with a decorated career in the sky blue shirt.

Bell scored 117 goals in 394 league appearances from midfield for City, and was dubbed The King of the Kippax by the club fanbase as a result.

In all competitions Bell made 492 appearances and scored 152 goals for City during his 13-year stay after joining from Bury in 1966.

Aside from City and Bury, Bell also represented San Jose Eathquakes during a brief spell in the American soccer league after leaving English football. 

City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak led the tributes, saying: ‘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.’

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