HEART BREAKING :BOLTON WONDERERS: KEY PLAYER CONFIREMED DEAD

Francis Lee:
Former England, Manchester City and Bolton striker passes away
Francis Lee played for Bolton, Derby and Manchester City during his 17-year career. He scored more than 200 career goals in the league, as well as 10 goals in 27 appearances for England, and was also chairman of Man City from 1994 to 1998.
Former national striker England and Manchester City’s Francis Lee has passed away at the age of 79 after suffering from cancer.

Lee has won the previous two First Division titles, scored more than 200 goals in his career and represented England 27 times, scoring 10 times, during a 17-year career.

Lee began his career at Bolton, scoring 92 goals in 182 games, before moving to City for a then club record fee of £60,000. He went on to help the club win the First Division title in 1968, as well as the FA Cup (1969) and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1970.
He was Man City’s top scorer for five consecutive seasons from 1969/70 to 1973/74, winning the club’s Player of the Year award in 1970 and the Golden Boot award in 1971.

After retiring from acting in 1976, Lee went into business and hired comedian Peter Kay at his toilet paper factory.
He became chairman of Man City in 1994 but resigned four years later when the club was on the brink of relegation to the third tier of English football. In 2016, Lee was appointed CBE for his services to charity and football.
A city press release said:
“Franny passed away early this morning after a long battle with cancer. His wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik said He will be deeply missed and would like to thank everyone for their kind words.
“Everyone at Manchester City sends their condolences to Francis’ friends and family at this extremely difficult time.

” As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and The City Football Academy has been hung at half mast. .”
Bolton Wanderers posted on X, formerly known as Twitter:
“All of Bolton Wanderers are saddened to hear of the passing of former striker 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 sad news upon learning of the death by Francis Lee. A gentleman, a true footballer with a great sense of humour.

“The main reason I signed for Man City was his love for the club and I will forever grateful to him. Love and condolences to all his family and friends. RIP Mr. President.”