Francis Lee, former England and Manchester City player, dies aged 79

The former England and Manchester City striker Francis Lee has died at the age of 79, the Premier League club have announced. Lee, who also had a spell as City chairman in the 1990s, played for the club between 1967 and 1974.

Lee, who began his playing career at Bolton, joined Derby from City in 1974. He won 27 England caps, scoring 10 goals, after making his full international debut in 1968 and appeared at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

“A club legend in every sense, Francis made 330 appearances for City, scoring 148 goals,” read a City statement. “He won one First Division title, one FA Cup, one League Cup, a European Cup Winners’ Cup and two Charity Shields during a glittering eight-year spell as a player – a legacy that ensures his position among Manchester City’s all-time greats is secure. He would later return to City as club chairman in 1994, spending four years at the helm.

“Franny passed away in the early hours of this morning after a long battle with cancer. His wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik say he will be sorely missed and would like to thank everyone for their kind words.”