Colin Bell RIP - Ian Cheeseman interview with Jon Bell (P142)

[The Black Shed]

I'm welling up reading back through these pages, he was clearly loved by so many, many people. Perhaps the only City player I can think of who has transcended the club itself.

 

[SebastianBlue]

Good to see you posting Seb. Hope you're in as rude health as possible mate.

Thanks, Doc — I am still alive and (occasionally) kicking.

Among the great many that are saddened that King Colin is not.

 

[DrBlueBob]

Thanks, Doc — I am still alive and (occasionally) kicking.

Among the many that are saddened that King Colin is not.

Tears flowed here last night, that's for sure.
Glad to hear you're ok. Let's hope that the boys do it in honour of Nijinsky tonight.

 

[manimanc]

I've just got teary reading the tweets from his son and daughter, photos of the King sat around the table with his grandkids.
Broke my heart.

 

[M18CTID]

Even though we knew he’d been ill, it’s still awful news. I never saw Bell play live, mainly because his career was curtailed but coincidentally the day of his comeback game - Boxing Day 1977 - is the day I started supporting City. That decision was unrelated to Colin’s return - it was down to my late grandad that evening persuading me to become a blue when previously I hadn’t nailed my colours to any mast - but I find it rather fitting that my City supporting life started on the same day as his much publicised comeback from injury and despite never seeing him play in the flesh, for me he’s still up there as the greatest player ever to play for us.

RIP The King

 

[stonerblue]

What a beautiful heartfelt post. Sums up my feelings. RIP King

Yeah, brilliant post @harlech

 

[stonerblue]

I shall be wearing this later on.
View attachment 7727

Love that.

 

[stonerblue]

Before my Dad passed from the Big C, he asked me to take him one last time to see the Blues. I treated him to the full hospitality (it was the 2-2 Liverpool game, when Kun scored that ridiculous goal from the touchline).

In the car on the way to the match he said it would be great to see Buzzer, as he had got to be friends with Mike after doing some electrical work at his house. But, he went on to say that if he gets the chance to meet one man before he popped his clogs, it would have to be Ding Dong Bell. What followed was a description of pretty much every game he played, the goals he scored, how he mixed it with the Rags (especially in the 3-0 home win - posted in this thread) and how his injury affected a whole generation of Blues who were robbed of his prime years in the shirt.

Well, he got his wish, met the King and had his picture taken with him, Tommy Booth & Tony Book (a picture I had printed on the back of my season card when City were doing that, one that I carry with me to this day). He asked Colin if Mike was around, but he advised he was working in another lounge and he wouldn't be visiting the one we were in. He clocked my old mans disappointment, but said his goodbye's and left us to it. About 15 mins before kick-off the door opened and in came Colin with Buzzer in tow, brought him to our table and the rest is history.

My old boy only lasted another 6 weeks, but the last thing he said to me was how nice that Colin Bell fella was, and as a long forgotten cheeky grin appeared on his face, he passed.

This thread is a credit to us all, even though reading the stories have turned me into a blubbering wreck since the news broke. The outpouring of affection for the great man is a reflection of our class as a fan base and I salute every last one of you.

Rest in peace Colin, a true Blue and a true gentleman.

Kin hell, nearly got me going now. Great post and here's to your Dad.

 

[Vienna_70]

Before my Dad passed from the Big C, he asked me to take him one last time to see the Blues. I treated him to the full hospitality (it was the 2-2 Liverpool game, when Kun scored that ridiculous goal from the touchline).

In the car on the way to the match he said it would be great to see Buzzer, as he had got to be friends with Mike after doing some electrical work at his house. But, he went on to say that if he gets the chance to meet one man before he popped his clogs, it would have to be Ding Dong Bell. What followed was a description of pretty much every game he played, the goals he scored, how he mixed it with the Rags (especially in the 3-0 home win - posted in this thread) and how his injury affected a whole generation of Blues who were robbed of his prime years in the shirt.

Well, he got his wish, met the King and had his picture taken with him, Tommy Booth & Tony Book (a picture I had printed on the back of my season card when City were doing that, one that I carry with me to this day). He asked Colin if Mike was around, but he advised he was working in another lounge and he wouldn't be visiting the one we were in. He clocked my old mans disappointment, but said his goodbye's and left us to it. About 15 mins before kick-off the door opened and in came Colin with Buzzer in tow, brought him to our table and the rest is history.

My old boy only lasted another 6 weeks, but the last thing he said to me was how nice that Colin Bell fella was, and as a long forgotten cheeky grin appeared on his face, he passed.

This thread is a credit to us all, even though reading the stories have turned me into a blubbering wreck since the news broke. The outpouring of affection for the great man is a reflection of our class as a fan base and I salute every last one of you.

Rest in peace Colin, a true Blue and a true gentleman.

That’s a fabulous story, and it set me off again.

 

[DrBlueBob]

Love that.

Cheers Stoner. It was given to me by a mate who designed it and got it made through some website or another. I thought that it was appropriate tonight.