FORMER Manchester City star Ian Mellor has died at the age of 74.

The ex-winger passed away this morning after a battle with illness.

5

5

The news was announced by his son Neil, who now works for Sky Sports as a pundit after playing spells with Liverpool and West Ham.

He revealed his father had been battling amyloidosis, a rare disease which affects organs and is not curable.

Neil posted on Twitter: “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.”

Neil’s former Liverpool teammate and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher paid tribute with a heart emoji.

Meanwhile, a fan said: “Sincere condolences Neil.”

Another declared: “Your dad was a great footballer and a true gentleman.”

One noted: “He was a true legend.”

5

5

Another added: “He was a great footballer, one of my favourites.”

Mellor started his career with City in 1970, scoring seven goals in 40 appearances and winning the FA Charity Shield before leaving in 1973.

He then moved to Norwich and scored twice in 29 games before departing a year later for Brighton,

He became a fan favourite in four years on the south coast with 31 goals in 122 games.

Between 1978 and 1984, Mellor then moved around Chester City, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City.

His final playing days saw him spend time at Workshop Town and Hong Kong outfit Tung Sing.

As for son Neil, he began his career at Liverpool and scored six times in 22 games – including a last-gasp 30-yard winner against Arsenal at Anfield in 2004.

After loans at West Ham and Wigan, he eventually left for Preston in 2006 and scored 43 goals in 150 games.

Neil, who went on loan to Sheffield Wednesday during his time there, retired in 2012 aged 30 after a knee injury.

And he now works as a pundit for broadcaster Sky Sports, appearing regularly on shows including Soccer Saturday.