Tributes paid to East Durham-born Manchester City and England football legend Colin Bell

The former Manchester City and England midfielder has died at the age of 74, the club has announced.

Born in Hesleden, Colin Bell played for Horden Community Welfare before beginning his professional career with for Bury FC in 1963. He spent three years with The Shakers, becoming team captain and scoring 25 goals during 82 appearances.

He joined City in 1966 for £45,000 and made his debut versus Derby County away, scoring in a 2-1 victory.

His position as a club legend was cemented after he suffered a severe injury to his right knee in 1975 and spent two years out of the game, making his comeback on Boxing Day 1977 at Maine Road when he was greeted with a standing ovation.

In all, he made 498 appearances for City, scoring a total of 153 goals during his 13-year stay, as well as turning out 48 times for England between 1968 and 1975, scoring nine goals.

He acquired two nicknames, The King of the Kippax, after the famous terraced stand at Maine Road, and Nijinsky, after the legendary racehorse known for his speed and stamina.

He is the only player after whom a stand at the Etihad Stadium is named.

A club statement read: “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.”

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said in a statement on the club website: “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 team-mates, 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. The fact that we have a stand at the Etihad Stadium named after Colin speaks volumes about the importance of his contribution to this club.”

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