I had the great pleasure of working with Colin for two seasons in the late 90’s when I worked in the city commercial department.
My Job on match days was to take Colin around the executive boxes to meet & greet.
On the first game he told me never to take him to a box that hadn’t specifically asked for him.
He just didn’t want to force himself on people.
He was that kind of bloke.
That first game he rolled up in a faded old Umbro managers coat.
I asked Geoff Durbin if he could supply some of the new Kappa gear & he sent me over to the Souvenir shop to pick up Colin’s clobber & I duly gave it to him.
Next game, Colin rolls up in the old Umbro coat so I of course asked him where his new gear was.
I gave it to our Jonathan he said, he loves it !
He was that kind of man.
What I will always remember about Colin was his tales when talking to People who did ask for him.
It was never a game against United or Liverpool or a cup final etc.
It was Bury away at Hartlepool or Darlington on a wet Tuesday night.
He was that kind of Man.
A very unassuming Man & an absolute hero to Me on & off the pitch.
We remained friends ever since & he always made a point of coming over to see Me & my guests on match days.
He was that kind of Man.
Never meet your Heroes they say.
Well I’m glad I did.
RIP Colin Bell.