Footballer Colin Bell – one of England’s most gifted players – has died.

He was aged 74.

Bell played for Manchester City for 13 years – 1966 to 1979.

He is regarded as one of the greatest players to have worn the City shirt.

He scored 152 goals in 492 appearnces.

A stand at the club’s Maine Road ground is named after him.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said:

“Colin Bell will always be remembered as one of Manchester City’s greatest players.

“The very sad news today of his passing will affect everybody connected to our club.”

As a mark of respect, City players will wear a 60s style shirt with Bell’s number 8 on the back when they play local rivals Manchester United tonight (Wednesday).

The former England international – 48 caps – died after a short non-Covid related illness.

At City he formed a key playing partnership with Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee.

Both Manchester City and Manchester United were in their pomp at the time – a showcase around the world for English football,

A Manchester City statement said:

“It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Manchester City legend Colin Bell.

“Colin passed away peacefully this afternoon after a short, non-Covid related illness, aged 74.

“He leaves behind wife Marie, children Jon and Dawn and grandchildren, Luke, Mark, Isla and Jack.”

Bell won the First Division – now the Premier league – in 1967-68.

The following year he held the FA Cup after City beat Leicester City 1-0 at Wembley.

In 1970 he won the League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Bell once said: “I was put on this earth to be a footballer.

“I just thought, at the back of my mind, even though I was going through school, I would become a professional footballer.”

He was awarded an MBE in 2004 for services to the community.