Colin Bell facts for kids
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Personal information | |||
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Full name | Colin Bell | ||
Date of birth | 26 February 1946 | ||
Place of birth | Hesleden, County Durham, England | ||
Date of death | 5 January 2021 | (aged 74)||
Height | 1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in) | ||
Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1963-1966 1966-1979 1980 |
Bury Manchester City San Jose Earthquakes |
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International career | |||
1968-1975 | England | ||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Colin Bell was a fantastic English footballer. He was born on 26 February 1946 and passed away on 5 January 2021. Colin was known for being a powerful and skillful midfielder, a player who helps both defend and attack. He played most of his career for Manchester City, where he became a true legend. He also proudly represented his country, England.
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Colin Bell's Football Journey
Colin Bell started his amazing football career in the 1960s. He quickly became known for his incredible fitness and ability to run all over the field. He was a player who always gave his best for his team.
Early Days at Bury
Colin began his professional journey at Bury in 1963. He was just 17 years old when he joined the club. He played for Bury for three seasons, showing off his talent. In 90 games for Bury, he scored 25 goals. His strong performances caught the eye of bigger clubs.
Becoming a Manchester City Legend
In 1966, Colin Bell moved to Manchester City. This was a big step up for him. He quickly became a key player for the team. Fans loved his energy and skill. He was a big part of Manchester City's success in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Winning Trophies
During his time at Manchester City, Colin helped the team win many important trophies. In the 1967-68 season, they won the First Division title, which was the top league in England at the time. The next season, in 1969, they won the FA Cup, one of England's oldest football competitions.
In 1970, Manchester City had an incredible year. They won both the League Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. The Cup Winners' Cup was a big European competition, showing that Manchester City was one of the best teams in Europe. Colin was a vital part of all these victories. He played 394 league games for Manchester City, scoring 117 goals.
His Nickname: The King of the Kippax
Colin Bell was so popular with Manchester City fans that they gave him a special nickname: "The King of the Kippax." The Kippax was a famous stand at Manchester City's old stadium, Maine Road. This nickname showed how much the fans admired him and saw him as their leader on the field.
Playing for England
Colin Bell also played for the England national team. He made his first appearance for England in 1968. He played 48 times for his country and scored 9 goals. He was part of the England squad that went to the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Playing for your country is a huge honor for any footballer, and Colin did it with pride.
A Sad Farewell
Colin Bell retired from football in 1979 after a fantastic career. He briefly played for the San Jose Earthquakes in the USA in 1980. He remained a beloved figure at Manchester City. Sadly, Colin Bell passed away on 5 January 2021, at the age of 74. He is remembered as one of the greatest players in Manchester City's history and a true legend of English football.