Soccer fans are mourning the loss of a former Manchester City player, Ian Mellor. The former winger (74) passed away today morning as announced by his son Neil Mellor. Born in Manchester on 19th February 1950, Mellor grew up as a Manchester City fan and represented it from 1970 to 1973. Making more than 50 appearances for the club he scored 10 goals including the one in European Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final in 1971. Moreover, he was also a member of the Former Players Association at Manchester City. He later went on to play for clubs like Norwich City, Brighton and Hove Albion, Chester, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the ex-Sky Blues player was suffering from a rare disease, Amyloidosis, that affects the organs and does not have a definite cure. Neil who also played for Liverpool had earlier posted the news on X (previously Twitter). He wrote, ” My Dad 💔My Hero,” “I love you 💔 Thank you for everything,” “19/02/1950💔01/05/2024,” “We are all absolutely devastated to have lost my Dad,” “Big thanks to St Ann’s Hospice and all their brilliant staff who helped during those last days as he battled so hard against amyloidosis 🙏♥️.” Hence supporters around the world expressed their solidarity with Neil during this time.
Ian was also considered one the favorite players of the fans during his later stint with Brighton and Hove Albion. Scoring 35 goals in 150 appearances, Mellor helped them win promotion from the third division in 1976/77. Therefore, the soccer fraternity including, Manchester City’s official handle poured out tributes to the star.
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The treble-winners expressed their grief at the loss of their former attacker and reposted Neil’s tweet.
We’re saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Ian Mellor.
Our thoughts are with Ian’s family and friends during this time 🩵 https://t.co/8PweT72lEw
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 1, 2024
Another staunch fan of City also paid his respect to the player by writing ‘Rest In Peace.’
Rest In Peace
— Jake Pritchard (@JakePritchardFC) May 1, 2024
Sheffield Wednesday also expressed their thought to Mellor’s entire family.
Thinking of you and your family, Neil 💙
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) May 1, 2024
Even a rival fan pitched in to write a few words of comfort to Ian. This Chelsea fan replied to City’s tweet with prayers.
Thoughts and prayers to the Ian’s family
— Martins (@Cfc_Martins) May 1, 2024
Brighton also extender their condolences to the former player’s family and friends.
Everyone at the club has been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former striker Ian Mellor, aged 74.
We extend our sincere condolences to son Neil and all of Ian’s family and friends at this particularly sad time.
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 1, 2024
This renowned Manchester City reporter dug up some old memories of Mellor’s exploits in front of goal.
Ian Mellor, known as Spider, who scored the first #ManCity goal I witnessed at an away game, has passed. Thoughts with his family & friends 🙏
It was an honour to know him pic.twitter.com/CxXNhlRJi1— Ian Cheeseman (@IanCheeseman) May 1, 2024
One netizen acknowledged his legacy and left a small heartfelt message.
Rip legend
— Kay4life (@iamkay147) May 1, 2024
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Even former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher also showed his support for his former teammate Neil after the loss of his father.
❤️
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) May 1, 2024
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Overall, Ian Mellor has been a pillar of success for many teams. His goalscoring ability helped clubs level-up during crucial tournaments thus attracting many fans and supporters. Hence the soccer world is in shock after losing a beloved soccer star.