BE AT PEACE Willie Bell died at the age of 85: The Leeds United icon died following a short illness after playing over 200 appearances for the club.
Willie Bell, a Leeds icon, has died at the age of 85.
The former defender died at home yesterday, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, three children, and seven grandchildren.
Between 1960 and 1967, he appeared 260 times for Yorkshire.
He scored 18 goals for the club during his tenure and helped them gain promotion from the Second Division in 1964.
The next season, the left-back helped Leeds finish second in the First Division.
That same season he helped the club reach the final of the FA Cup, only to suffer a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.
He helped the club achieve the same feat the next season as well and became a fan favourite.
In 1966 he also earned two caps for Scotland as he featured against Brazil and Portugal.
After leaving the club in 1967, he enjoyed spells at Leicester City and Brighton and Hove Albion.
After retiring from playing, he went on to manage Birmingham City and Lincoln City.
In 1979, Bell moved to the United States and started coaching at Liberty University until he retired.
A statement from Leeds read: “Our thoughts are with Willie’s widow Pat, his three children, Bill, Andrew and Caroline, and his seven grandchildren, along with his friends at this difficult time.”
Many of the club’s supporters have taken to social media to share their condolences.
One tweeted: “Rip Willie”.
A second wrote: “The thoughts of everyone at LUFC are with the friends and family of former defender Willie Bell, who has sadly passed away at 85″.
A third said: “RIP Willie. Sending comfort and strength to all who loved you.”
