Ask any Bristol City fan the name, and they will know Mickey Bell. Having made 292 appearances for the Robins in the years from 1997-2005, the current Clevedon Town head coach is undoubtedly one of the best left-backs in the club's recent history.
Though rather excitingly for City fans, his son is now showing all the hallmarks of becoming a top player in his own right.
Sam Bell was this afternoon named as a Bristol City substitute for the first time, joining the likes of Ryley Towler, Opi Edwards, and perhaps most noticeably Zak Vyner, as academy graduates to have been integrated into the first-team setup in BS3 this campaign.
And the City no.33, a prolific forward in the youth ranks, got on the pitch in the 86th minute as he replaced midfielder Adam Nagy, with Dean Holden's side looking for an equaliser in a game they would eventually lose 0-1.
Before the game, Bell had earned himself some high praise from assistant Paul Simpson prior to the kick-off against Blues.
"It’s great for Sam to get this opportunity, all of the guys who have come in and worked with us, Opi, Ryler, Zac Smith, Sam Bell, Sam Pearson, they’ve been excellent in training," said Simpson.
"It’s always funny getting young players to come in because sometimes they can spoil the sessions with the pros, but they certainly haven’t."
Bell, a former Nailsea United striker, has been lethal in front of goal for the Robins Under-23s side this campaign, having recently found the net against sides such as Charlton Athletic, Ipswich Town, and Sheffield Wednesday, including a couple of penalties.
The starlet has previously represented City sides in the FA Youth Cup, and amongst the likes of Towler and Edwards, has excited supporters at Ashton Gate with his rapid rise to prominence in the academy.
“If young Belly did half of what his Dad achieved for this football club then he won’t go half wrong. Hopefully, the opportunity will come today and he will show everybody what he’s about,” Simpson added.
And the chance did come, as Bell - who also shone during a loan spell at Yate Town previously where his confidence in front of goal raised several eyebrows in South Gloucestershire - got on the Ashton Gate pitch for the final few minutes.
Noticeably scoring twice in a win over Taunton Town in the past, Mickey’s son could well follow players such as Bobby Reid, Joe Bryan, and Lloyd Kelly into successfully bridging the gap from the academy to the first team in BS3.
No doubt Mickey will wear the proudest smile in the West Country after Saturday.
