Manchester City players to pay tribute to Colin Bell
Bell earned the nickname ‘The King of the Kippax’
Manchester City players will pay tribute to former midfielder Colin Bell ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final tie against United at Old Trafford.
City announced Bell had “passed away peacefully” on Tuesday afternoon aged 74 following a “short, non-Covid related illness”.
Former England international Bell made 492 appearances and scored 152 goals for City during his 13-year stay after joining from Bury in 1966, helping secure promotion to the top flight.
Bell earned the nickname ‘The King of the Kippax’ after one of the terraces at their former Maine Road home, and has a stand named after him at the Etihad Stadium following a fans’ vote.
The current players are set to wear a retro number eight shirt before kick-off at Old Trafford on Wednesday night in honour of the man many regard as simply the best.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said Bell was “a player held in the highest regard” and “the passage of time does little to erase the memories of his genius”.
Winger Mike Summerbee played alongside Bell in City’s flamboyant team, and remembered his former team-mate’s humility despite all of the plaudits coming his way.
“He was a huge star for Manchester City, but you would never have known it,” Summerbee said on the club’s official website.
“He was quiet, unassuming and I always believe he never knew how good he actually was. He was just the greatest footballer we have ever had.
“Kevin De Bruyne reminds me a lot of Colin in the way he plays and the way he is as a person.”
Former England international Summerbee, now a club ambassador, added: “He was adored by the City fans and for our supporters to say he is the best they have ever seen, you don’t get a better compliment than that, do you?
“He was very special and he will be very sadly missed.”
Tony Book, who captained that City team in the late 1960s and early 1970s, added: “He was a very special person, not only as a footballer but as a man – I can’t believe he’s gone. He is irreplaceable.”
A tweet from FIFA read: “Seldom has a player been as beloved at a club as Colin Bell at Man City. He was affectionately known as ‘The King of the Kippax’ and has a stand named in his honour at the City of Manchester Stadium. RIP to one of England’s finest all-time midfielders.”
Rivals United also paid tribute, writing on Twitter: “All of us at Man Utd are deeply saddened by the passing of Colin Bell, a true footballing legend. Condolences to Colin’s loved ones and everyone at Man City.”