Francis Lee RIP

A friend of mine, a good blue, from handforth died in his early twenties. This was in the eighties. His Dad worked on the ‘Pink Final’ van outside Maine Road. Franny went to the funeral, unexpected and mainly unnoticed, and asked the father if it would be ok to put a pair of his boots that he wore at City in the ground with the young man.
It meant a lot. Not often does a childhood hero excel your expectations later in life. Rest in Peace Francis.
 
My first ever game Sat 21st Nov 1970 at Maine Road City played West Ham, we won 2-0 and Lee scored them both.
Thank you Franny I will never forget it, may you rest in peace xx

CTID
 
In the early nineties when Franny was training racehorses I got a tip for one of his. Marching into the bookies I put sufficient money down that the cashier had to make a phone call before my bet was accepted. I then watched horrified as the horse threw the jockey while cantering to the start, then continued running for about 6 furlongs. I assumed the horse would be withdrawn but to my surprise it was brought back to the start went in the stalls and lost by a short head.
As it was Franny I got over it soon enough. He'd taught me a lesson and I never had a sizeable bet again. Saved me a fortune.

Wonderful player. RIP
 
levets said:
I was born in 1959, he was my footballing hero. I’m deeply saddened at his passing.
All I ever wanted to be, was him.
RIP Francis Lee CBE
Click to expand...
Born same year Lev’s
Sad day to see Franny go, he was blue through and through, and loved our great club!
RIP Francis
I’ll miss you for sure but I also have some fantastic memories so thank you sir !
 
Won tickets to tunnel club a few years ago. When me and my mate were stood in the main entrance waiting to have our passes checked i turned around and there right behind me were the king buzzer and franny. I couldn’t believe it! I was already buzzing but being stood next to those three absolute legends! I’ll never ever forget that day. RIP franny
 
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Scored the winner on my first trip to Maine Rd the 1969 league cup quarter final. Would always rather remember him as our great centre forward, not as our dreadful chairman. A huge figure in our clubs history RIP fella
 
As an eight year-old in 68, the last thing I saw every night were my framed photos of Franny and Colin. The first thing I saw every morning were those two framed photos. Life was good. I still have your autograph several times over. Thank you for the stellar memories Franny and for being such an amazing guy and an inspiration. RIPxx
 
I'm not sure if this has been posted before, but here's a nice tribute from the BBC

www.bbc.co.uk

Francis Lee: 'One of Manchester City's most important figures'

Francis Lee will be regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of Manchester City, writes BBC Sport's Phil McNulty.
www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk

And from the Derby County site

www.dcfc.co.uk

Remembering Francis Lee: Rest In Peace

Derby County is saddened to have learned of the passing of its former player and 1974/75 title-winner Francis Lee at the age of 79. Lee made 80 appearances for the Rams, scoring 30 goals in two seasons. Although he will mainly be remembered for his association with Manchester City, his short...
www.dcfc.co.uk www.dcfc.co.uk
 
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Great memories watching him play.

What a turn of speed he had, and very hard to stop him as he headed towards the opposition's goal!

My last memory of him though was when I actually met him.

My lad was mascot at Spurs away in 1996, and Franny was Chairman.

As we were waiting in the tunnel for the teams to emerge from the dressing room, my lad was kicking the ball against the wall and Franny came down and said 'hey son, don't be showing them lot too many tricks'! He then said for him to enjoy his day, and shook my hand saying he was pleased to meet us!

The family of the Spurs mascot stood there shocked, and the father said to me that their Chairman (Alan Sugar) would never have done that, and didn't engage with the fans at all.

A proud moment for me, and great memories for my son and I to cherish.

Thanks Franny, RIP.
 
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