Manchester City have revealed a brand new statue paying tribute to club legends Colin Bell, Francis ‘Franny’ Lee and Mike Summerbee.
Unveiling the new permanent bronze sculpture of Bell, Lee and Summerbee outside the Etihad Stadium on 28 November, Man City stated that “the magnificent statue will serve as a reminder of three of our greatest ever players.”
Designed by artist David Williams-Ellis, an Irish sculptor who specialises in capturing the human figure, those attending City’s Champions League fixture against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night will be among the first fans to see the trio of trophy-winning players.
Hailed as the three best players in the club’s first true golden era in the late ’60s, when they won the 1968 First Division title, the 1969 FA Cup, the 1970 Cup Winners Cup and a League Cup, they gave Blues their very first taste of success and years of memories to look back on.
As a touching addition, the statue is both a way of honouring Bell, who died back in 2021, the late Franny Lee who passed away back in October, and the surviving Summerbee who is now one of the few remaining members of that incredible team, as well as a special nod to the squad at large.
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On the plinth beneath their likenesses, the artist has also included a bronze plate featuring the names of the 29 teammates who played alongside Man City’s own ‘Holy Trinity’.
A touching tribute not only to the talented triumvirate but the other beloved footballers who helped them shine on the pitch. The statue will now stand proudly outside the ever-developing home ground alongside sculptures of modern-era club legends Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and David Silva.
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Here’s what manager Pep Guardiola had to say on the unveiling and the players’ legacy.
"Three legendary, unbelievable persons"
We're live at the Etihad Stadium this morning as Manchester City unveil a statue to salute the legacy of legends Colin Bell, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee.
The club’s Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, said in a statement: “This statue honours three players who are unquestionably City legends and have deservedly earned a special place in the history of the Club and hearts of the whole City family.
“The artist’s decision to feature the three men in motion on a single plinth, as well as include the 29 names of their teammates, gives us the opportunity to acknowledge a trophy-winning era of City football history that has, and will, resonate for generations to come.”
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As for Summerbee himself, the 80-year-old said of the new installation: “This is a truly special moment for me and my family. I joined Manchester City in 1965 and it is the best decision I could have possibly made. 50 years later, I am still here, still treated with such respect.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be recognised in this way, amongst friends whose contribution to our history this Club never forgets, despite the amazing success we have enjoyed in recent years. It is an honour to be part of this extraordinary Club.”
Manchester United’s statement in full as Michael Carrick is sacked as manager
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United has now released a formal statement following the news that Michael Carrick has been sacked with immediate effect.
Carrick – who initially played for Manchester United as a midfielder between 2006 and 2018 – was first appointed as a caretaker manager in 2021, before he went on to become the interim manager and then men’s first team head coach earlier this year.
Unfortunately though, United have struggled to find form this season – with the team winning only three of their first 15 games across all competitions.
The club’s statement reads in full: “Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
“Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.
“After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions.
“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.
“The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”
Featured Image – Sky Sports (via YouTube – screenshot)
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‘We couldn’t see f**k all’ – Bizarre Altrincham FC FA Cup clash played in thick fog leaves fans baffled
Daisy Jackson
Altrincham FC’s FA Cup clash with Notts County descended into extraordinary scenes on Saturday night as thick fog engulfed the stadium, leaving supporters struggling to see the players and even broadcasters questioning what was happening.
The bizarre first-round encounter at the J Davidson Stadium saw visibility deteriorate so badly that fans resorted to holding their mobile phone torches aloft in an attempt to follow the action.
What should have been a memorable FA Cup occasion turned into something resembling a scene from a horror film, with the players increasingly disappearing into the mist.
Altrincham Today captured the surreal atmosphere, posting: “Extraordinary scenes here at the J Davidson Stadium. Visibility down to a few yards. No-one has any idea what is going on. Supporters holding mobile torches aloft, like it’s an Elton John concert. It is still 2-2, we think.”
Even television coverage struggled to make sense of the conditions.
Broadcaster Jason Mohammad joked: “Bear with us at the end of the game. We’ve not seen much of extra time where we are. We don’t have the foggiest what’s going on down the away end. Fair play – cracking game and atmosphere!”
One social media user summed up the extraordinary conditions simply, writing: “Altrincham v Notts County is currently being played in a cloud.”
Others were equally bewildered, with one supporter asking: “Spot the ball anyone? #FACup @altrinchamfc on the verge of another league scalp – although who knows what’s going on?!”
Another fan was less than impressed, posting: “Shame we couldn’t see f**k all for most of it”.
Even the stadium’s advertising boards were struggling to make an impression. James Timpson joked: “It was hard to see the investment we have made in to our pitch side advertising boards last night at Altrincham V Notts County!”
It was hard to see the investment we have made in to our pitch side advertising boards last night at Altrincham V Notts County! https://t.co/trW9imo7Xu
The unusual conditions also prompted questions over whether the match should have continued.
One Notts County supporter reflected after the game: “Unlucky guys you gave us a great game and the conditions didn’t help still say it should have been abandoned even though we scraped through!!!! Good luck for the rest of the season lads”.
And it was certainly a dramatic contest before the fog took centre stage.
Notts County initially took the lead through Jacob Bedeau in the 28th minute, but Altrincham responded through Lucas Weaver just before half-time.
Lewis Banks then put the hosts ahead in the 59th minute, raising hopes of another famous FA Cup upset against higher-league opposition.
@altrinchamfc If you say so https://t.co/6ub5YiIogD
However, Callum Roberts equalised for County in the 84th minute, sending the tie into extra time.
With neither side able to find a winner, the match went to penalties, where Notts County eventually prevailed 3-2 to book their place in the second round.
While the result was heartbreaking for Altrincham, the extraordinary conditions ensured the match would be remembered for more than just the football.
For supporters at the J Davidson Stadium, it was certainly one FA Cup tie where seeing wasn’t necessarily believing.
Danny Jones -
28th November 2023 
