Lee began his career with Bolton, where he scored 92 goals in 182 games, before signing a club record £60k to join City. He later assisted the team in winning the FA Cup (1969), the European Cup Winners’ Cup (1970), and the First Division championship (1968).
From 1969–70 to 1973–74, he led City in scoring five times in a row. In 1970, he was named Player of the Year by the team, and in 1971, he was awarded the Golden Boot.
Image: In 1970, Francis Lee (second left) and his City teammates paraded the League Cup prior to a First Division match against Crystal Palace.
Francis Lee of Manchester City in action at Old Trafford during a 1973 first division match against Manchester United
Pictured: Lee in action for City in a 1973 First Division game at Old Trafford versus Manchester United
Francis Lee, the former chairman of Manchester City, thanks the supporters at Maine Road. Image: Lee, the former chairman of City, thanks the supporters at Maine Road. In 1974, Lee moved to Derby and scored 12 goals to help the team win the First Division title, including the game-winning goal against City.
Following his playing retirement in 1976, Lee started his own business and was well-known for hiring comedian Peter Kay to work at his toilet roll factory.
In 1994, he was appointed chairman of City, but he left the position four years later, just before the team was about to be demoted to the English football league’s third division. Lee received a CBE in 2016 in recognition of his contributions to sport and philanthropy.
According to a statement from the city, Franny died early this morning following a protracted fight with cancer. He will be much missed, according to his wife Gill and kids Nik, Jonny, and Charlotte. They also want to thank everyone for their nice remarks.
“At this very difficult moment, everyone at Manchester City would want to extend their sympathies to Francis’s friends and family.
“As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast.”
“Everyone at Bolton Wanderers is saddened to learn of the passing of former forward, Francis Lee,” the team wrote on X, the platform that was formerly known as Twitter. At this trying time, Francis’ family, friends, and loved ones are in everyone’s thoughts at the club.”
Paul Dickov, a former striker for Manchester City, also posted on X, saying, “I’m really sorry to learn of Francis Lee’s loss. A classy, well-groomed football player with an excellent sense of humor.
“His ardent devotion to Man City was the primary motivator for my signing, and I will always be appreciative.” To all of his friends and family, my love and condolences. Farewell, Mr. Chairman.”
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