I never saw Colin Bell kick a ball but from the moment I arrived at Manchester City as a young lad, I knew all about him.
We were told stories about his incredible athletic ability, the goals he provided from midfield and the grace with which he played. It was never up for debate: he was the best ever to have played for the club.
With that in mind, I was overcome with nerves the first time I met him. When you are a kid and meet a man with such a huge reputation, it can be daunting but, from the moment he said ‘hello’, Colin showed himself to be one of life’s nice guys — a true gentleman in every sense.