Francis 'Franny' Lee was among Manchester City's greatest players, having made 330 appearances and scored numerous in his eight-year playing spell at the club.
Francis Lee, the former England striker who had a distinguished career with Bolton, Derby, and Manchester City, has sadly passed away at the age of 79, following his battle with cancer. This announcement was made by Manchester City in a heartfelt tweet, expressing their deepest sadness. In a tweet, the club wrote:
'It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and chairman Francis Lee. Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
Bolton posted on X: '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.'
England have also paid tribute to Lee, writing: 'We are saddened to learn of the passing of Francis Lee at the age of 79. Franny won 27 caps and scored ten goals for the Three Lions between 1968 and 1972.'
A look back at Lee's legendary career
Lee began his professional journey at Bolton, where he netted 92 goals across 182 matches. Following this, he transferred to Manchester City for a then club-record fee of £60,000.
Affectionately known as Franny, Lee made his mark as a forward for Manchester City from 1967 to 1974, amassing 330 appearances and an impressive 148 goals, as per Sky Sports. His tenure at City included triumphs in the First Division title in 1968, an FA Cup victory in 1969, and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1970.
Lee held the distinction of being City's leading goal-scorer for a remarkable five consecutive seasons, spanning from 1969/70 to 1973/74. During this period, he clinched the club's Player of the Year accolade in 1970 and also secured the prestigious 1971 Golden Boot award.
Lee was also a prominent figure on the international stage, earning 27 caps for England and netting 10 goals. His debut for the national team occurred in 1968, and he was part of the squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 1970 World Cup.
After his tenure with City, Lee added another league title to his accomplishments, this time with Derby in 1975, notes The Guardian. However, his career is also remembered for a controversial on-pitch altercation with Leeds player Norman Hunter during the following season.
A successful business venture
Following his retirement from professional football in 1976, Lee ventured into the business world and even hired comedian Peter Kay in his toilet roll company.
In 1994, he returned to Manchester City, not as a player but as chairman, where he served for four years. His tenure was marked by attempts to rejuvenate the club, although he resigned in 1998, as the club teetered on the brink of relegation to the third tier of English football.
Lee was recognized for his contributions to both sport and charity and was appointed a CBE in 2016. He is survived by his wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny, and Nik, as per Sky Sports.
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