FORMER Manchester City chairman Francis Lee was mourning the death of his Westhoughton mum when he sensationally quit his job.

Millie Lee, 82, died in the Royal Bolton Hospital after suffering a major stroke just days before Franny sensationally jacked in his job.

But her son bravely hid his heartache when he stepped down as the club's chairman on Monday.

His resignation came after he was placed under increasing pressure by angry Maine Road fans who blamed him for the team's poor performance.

Yesterday the 53-year-old millionaire businessman's sister, Irene Melling, talked from her home in Westhoughton of the family's grief.

She told how her mum, a keen bowler for a Haslam Park club at Deane, had only just finished cleaning her woods, ready for the start of a new season.

She added: "We're a very close family and so we have all been devastated by mum's death because it was totally unexpected. She was such a fit lady.

"It was such a shock for us all. People have no idea what Fran has been through recently. They just do not seem to care.

"I've spoken to my brothers regularly but it's been difficult to talk to Fran because of what has gone on in the past few days."

Dozens of mourners gathered outside Millie's bungalow in Molyneux Avenue, Westhoughton, on the day of her funeral last Thursday.

Directors and staff from Manchester City joined family and friends for the service held in Westhoughton parish church.

Francis Lee, who still owns a Bolton factory in Parrot Street as part of his paper recycling empire, started his soccer career with Bolton Wanderers and went on to play for Manchester City, Derby County and England.

He was not available for comment.

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