Colin Bell made 501 appearances for City during a 13-year stay with the Club and scored 153 goals.
He was also capped 48 times by England – his appearances for both club and country would have been far higher but for a devastating knee injury he suffered in 1975.
Few would argue that alongside today’s modern-day legends, Bell is regarded as one - if not the -greatest player the Manchester City has ever had - and with good reason.
City won the league title for the first time in 31 years with Bell inspirational throughout the campaign. He was here, there and literally everywhere and the fans loved his incredible athleticism and seemingly limitless stamina and in a team of winners, he was an easy choice for the 1967/68 Manchester City Player of the Year.
He was the beating heart of the team and along with Lee and Mike Summerbee, formed the legendary ‘Holy Trinity’ of players who would inspire the club to as yet uncharted heights.
Bell also won his first England cap in 1968 – the first of 48, which for several decades, was a club record.
Rest in peace, Colin the King...
