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

[Big Ellens Bell]

Thank you for all the happy memories Colin, may you rest in eternal peace.

 

[City Hobgoblin]

Colin Bell was the first footballer I was aware of, even before I’d seen a game.He lived locally, with the landlady on Sunny Bank he‘d rented from when he joined Bury. I believe he was still living there when playing in the Mexico World Cup and becoming an on the field star with City. He could be glimpsed popping into the newsagents , school friends told of impromptu kickabouts with him on the playing fields. It was like having Steve McQueen living round the corner.

Tales of him pushing the wheelchair-bound husband of his landlady to the pub ( The Blue Bell, naturally) but not going inside as it wouldn’t reflect well on a professional footballer.
I attended a number of kids parties at his restaurant in Whitefield, co-owned with Colin Waldron of Burnley.

He was certainly denied more honours by the injury. I still remember the BBC Nationwide feature on his arduous recovery, running up and down the Kippax steps to rebuild fitness and stamina.

One of the greats. Rest in peace.

 

[Harvster]

5th January was already a sad day in our household, as it was my mum's funeral at Stockport Crematorium, after she died of Covid in Salford Royal. Yesterday would have been her 86th birthday. Went out for a quick walk with the wife in the early evening, only to hear about the passing of Colin from my son on our return. What a terribly sad day, RIP mum and the King of the Kippax

 

[Mhh1960]

Lost for words. RIP Colin.

 

[standupifyouhatemanu]

Jimmy Hill and Geoff Hurst appreciation of Colin and Franny Lee. Colin modesty personified in his interview.

Not seen that before what a great tribute from a fellow pro...

 

[M14Exile]

Only just heard the news this morning, my one and only hero the King.
He filled my youth with so many great memories, there will never be anyone like him for me.

 

[standupifyouhatemanu]

5th January was already a sad day in our household, as it was my mum's funeral at Stockport Crematorium, after she died of Covid in Salford Royal. Yesterday would have been her 86th birthday. Went out for a quick walk with the wife in the early evening, only to hear about the passing of Colin from my son on our return. What a terribly sad day, RIP mum and the King of the Kippax

Colin and your Mum will be at the pearly gates and he'll hold them open for her, condolences mate

 

[ws01]

Had a good read through the thread, and it's made me realise exactly why I'm a Blue. The tributes and stories that have been shared by our supporters on here have been absolutely brilliant

CTID.

 

[dave_blue12]

I want to contribute to this thread but like many others I'm sure, I feel so emotional. It's hard to type with tears flowing.

My hero has left us.

RIP King Colin.

 

[squirtyflower]

One of the greatest players I ever saw, as good as anyone in his day.
He was just coming into his prime, dominating the English game and beginning to take control for England when Buchan ruined his career.

Met him a few times and you really couldn’t meet a nicer man.

The King is dead and the citizens distraught.