Colin Bell, was arguably one of the finest English players of the late '60s and early '70s, and is widely regarded as the finest player ever to play for Manchester City, and was affectionately known as the “King of the Kippax” and was also nicknamed "Nijinsky" after the famous thoroughbred racehorse, due to his incredible energy and athleticism.
Bell, was born just after the end of the Second World War in County Durham, in his formative years, he played for Bury, who spotted him playing for his college team. He played for the club for three years, and captained the club at an early age. In his three years, he played for Bury 82 times, and scored 25 goals, a scoring rate of nearly one goal in three-a rate he would continue for the rest of his career.
Bell was spotted by Manchester City assistant manager Malcolm Allison, who told other clubs interested in Bell that he “can't head it, can't pass it, he's hopeless” in the hope that they would not scout this highly prized player. Ultimately, this process paid dividends, as Bell was signed for Manchester City for £45,000.
The new signing made an immediate start, as he helped City achieve immediate promotion, finishing the season with four goals in 11 games.
As a midfielder, Bell bore many of the hallmarks of a modern midfielder, incredibly athletic and boasting endless amounts of energy. His game was spent driving forward at every opportunity, and when in front of goal, as his record testifies, he barely wasted a chance. Modern commentators have likened his game to that of Steven Gerrard.
City's first season back in Division One was a struggle for Manchester City, but for Bell it was one which saw the midfielder take on increasing importance in the City team, as he finished the season with twelve goals, as City finished fifteen.
The following season would be a successful one for City and for Bell, complimenting new signing Francis Lee and the tricky Mike Summerbee, City were able to push for the league title, which they won on the final day, with a 4-3 victory over Newcastle. For Bell, and for City this was a remarkable achievement, coming only two seasons after their promotion from the Second Division.
Bell's form was such that he was called up for England-a big honour as they were then world champions, and Bell made his debut for England against Sweden and made an immediate impact, helping set England up for a three-one victory.
In 1969, though City failed to challenge for the league title, Bell picked up another medal-this time an FA Cup medal as City defeated Leicester City, then in 1970, City won yet more silverware as they won the League Cup and European Cup Winners Cup.
While for England, Bell was becoming an increasingly important member of the England squad, and at international level was beginning to distinguish himself, scoring the winner against the Dutch, and also scoring against soon-to-be world champions Brazil.
He was called up for the 1970 World Cup, and in the pre-tournament acclimatisation process, the squad held a mini-Olympics event, which saw Bell win every event-evidence of Bell's athletic ability.
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