Colin Bell

I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of Colin Bell, one of the greatest players I was privileged to see.

The amazing thing about Colin Bell was his strike record of a goal every three games.

He was not a midfield striker like Lionel Messi or Roberto Baggio but an immensely hard-working box to box player who had the knack of scoring.

My favourite Bell goal was a volley from an oblique angle against Chelsea.

Marco Van Basten had scored from a similar angle for Holland in the Euros and more recently Kasami of Fulham.

It requires enormous technique and precision.

Because of his dual skills of a work rate which earned him the nickname Nijinsky and the goals he scored Colin Bell could have played for club and country in any era.

He played for a Manchester City team that won everything in the late 60s.

They won the League scoring 86 goals a number not exceeded for many years.

It was a fine team with Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee up front, in midfield the elegant Neil Young alongside Colin Bell and Alan Oakes.

Tony Book, a veteran and skipper at right back, was one who merited his position not just for his experience.

Glyn Pardoe was the left back and in central defence Tommy Booth and hard man Mike Doyle.

Harry Dowd and then Joe Corrigan were the keepers.

In a team of stars the humble Colin Bell was the star.

Manchester City have been formidable these past few years so I was pleased that Bell is so well remembered by many City fans who would have never have seen him play.