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Neil Mellor pays emotional tribute to his ex-footballer Dad who has died aged 74

Neil Mellor pays emotional tribute to his ex-footballer Dad, Ian Mellor, who has died aged 74 after a long battle with illness.

Ian Mellor, a left-winger, started his professional career with Man City, making 40 appearances and scored 7 goals while also making an appearance as a substitute in City’s victory in the 1972 FA Charity Shield.

In 1973, Mellor transferred to Norwich City for a fee of £65,000, with the club facing facing relegation in their debut season in the top tier of English football when Mellor signed up.

He featured in the final eleven league matches of the season, contributing to Norwich’s successful battle in avoiding relegation.

Mellor went on to score nine goals in 43 appearances for Norwich before moving to Brighton, where he earned the nickname “Spider”.

Later, in February 1978, he signed for Chester for £25,000 and in his first season at Chester, Mellor helped the team secure a fifth-place finish in Division Three. He also scored a crucial goal in a Football League Cup upset against Coventry City from the First Division in the early stages of the 1978-79 season.

Following his time at Chester, Mellor joined Sheffield Wednesday, where he etched his name in the club’s history by scoring in the 4-0 victory over Sheffield United in the infamous ‘Boxing Day Massacre’.

He remained with Wednesday until his move to Bradford City in June 1982.

Mellor also had a brief stint in Hong Kong with Tung Sing before wrapping up his professional career after two seasons with City.

But Ian Mellor sadly passed away on the 1st of May 2024 aged 74 following a battle against Amyloidosis.

His son Neil said: “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 🙏♥️”

Man City tweeted: “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 🩵”

Sheffield Wednesday wrote: “The Owls are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Ian Mellor. Our thoughts are with Ian’s family and friends at this very difficult time 💙 RIP Spider 🦉”

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Neil Mellor (@nmellor33)

HIS PLAYING CAREER:

Youth career
Wythenshawe Amateurs

Senior career* 
1970–1973 – Manchester City – 40 games (7 goals)
1973–1974 – Norwich City – 29 games (2 goals)
1974–1978 – Brighton & Hove Albion – 122 games (31 goals)
1978–1979 – Chester City – 40 games (11 goals)
1979–1982 – Sheffield Wednesday – 70 games (11 goals)
1982–1984 – Bradford City – 36 games (4 goals)
1984–? Worksop Town
Total – 337 games (66 goals)

*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ian Mellor

Neil Mellor, left, described his father as his 'hero' in an emotional tribute on social media

WHAT IS AMYLOIDOSIS?

Amyloidosis is a group of rare conditions where a protein called amyloid builds up in your body. It can affect organs such as your heart, kidneys, liver, nerves or digestive system. It cannot be cured, but there are treatments that may help with symptoms.

Symptoms of amyloidosis

Common symptoms of amyloidosis include:

– feeling very tired or weak
– losing weight without trying to
– shortness of breath
– swollen feet or legs
– bruising around your eyes

Other symptoms depend on which parts of your body are affected, so you may not have all the symptoms. They can include:

– a fast or slow heartbeat or chest pain, if your heart is affected
– loss of appetite, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea or constipation, if your digestive system is affected
– frothy pee, if your kidneys are affected
– pain, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, if your nerves are affected

Important – These symptoms can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have amyloidosis. But it’s important to get them checked by a GP.

Non-urgent advice:
See a GP if you have symptoms of amyloidosis

    Twitter users sent messages of respect, love and support as Neil Mellor pays an emotional tribute to his ex-footballer Dad who has died aged 74…

    @PMcness36427: Condolences to Ian’s family and friends from a Kidderminster Harriers fan 🦉

    @Mave_25: So sad always remembered at Hillsborough. Thoughts to @NeilMellor33 and the family. RIP 🦉

    @ian_grumpa_67: Fly high Once an Owl Always An Owl…💙

    @William17117045: That’s very sad. Remember him coming up the winding staircase of my unit in Dudley to meet me to order T shirts for the PFA when he was running the commercial side. Also took me to the PFA HQ in Manchester. His parting words were always “See you at the Far Post”. RIP Spider

    @kevinea02719094: RIP, still remember your goal in the Boxing Day Massacre WTID WAWAW

    @1cornishblue: Sad news about Ian Mellor. Remember him well in my early days of going to Maine Road in the 70’s. May he RIP 🙏

    @edwardclothier1: RIP, Ian Mellor 💙

    @sgmellorwriter: So sorry: your father was a hero to many. For a fellow long legged skinny Mellor, a goal in the Boxing Day Massacre by his namesake was a fate I could never deny, a Wednesdayite forever. Forever a favourite player. Our love to you and your family

    @cluelesspegg: So sorry to hear this. I will always remember him being very kind to a star struck 11year old me. He took sometime talking, signing autographs and kicking a ball around with us. A hero for a child. Best wishes.

    @jamiebunch: So sorry to pick this up Neil. Your Dad Or ‘spider’ as we all knew him, was a wonderful football man and 1 of the great characters at the PFA when I came into Football in the Community post playing late 90s. Loved his company & so well respected. #RIP Spider ❤️

    @CityOnACard1: You couldn’t wish to meet a nicer fella, RIP Ian.

    @simonjgarrett: Really sorry to hear your news. I lost my dad a couple of years ago. Give yourself time. The grief will catch you at the oddest moments and when you least expect it, but you will get through.

    @dinglyd: So sorry to hear this Neil, I hope you can take comfort from all the happy memories you will hold forever in your heart. Also, knowing how proud he is of you. Love to all the family. X ❤️💔

    @IanBrandwood: So sorry for your loss Neil. Your Dad will always be remembered as a hero to those owls fans who were lucky enough to see him play.

    @barryb34: So sorry to hear this..condolences to you and your family..your dad will be forever in wednesday folklore…🎵 Boxing Day Massacre 🎵 R.I.P Spider.

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