Derby County news from DerbyshireLive as tributes are paid to Rams title winner Francis Lee
Tributes have been paid to former Derby County star Francis Lee, who has died at the age of 79.
Lee was a member of the Rams‘ title-winning team of 1974-75. He also starred for Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers and England.
City said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and chairman Francis Lee. Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.”
Lee, who also had a spell as City chairman in the 1990s, scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club between 1967-74. The striker began his playing career at Bolton and joined Derby from City in 1974. He made 62 league appearances for the Rams, scoring 25 goals.
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. City added on their official website: “Franny passed away in the early hours of this morning (Monday) 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. Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
“As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast. More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.”
Bolton posted: “All at Bolton Wanderers are saddened to learn of the passing of former forward, Francis Lee. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Francis’ family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”
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