FORMER Wanderers footballer Francis "Franny" Lee spoke of his career on and off the pitch in front of a captive audience at the University of Bolton last night.

The networking event saw veteran broadcaster Gordon Burns in conversation with Franny, who also played for Manchester City and Derby County in his playing days in the 60s and 70s.

He also spoke about his great success in business as owner of the Bolton-based paper recycling firm F.H Lee, which he launched while he was still a footballer.

After successfully manufacturing toilet rolls for decades, the Westhoughton native sold the multi-million pound business in 2000.

Speaking about his two differing careers, he said: "Football is the best game in the world. If you can play it naturally and properly it can be very easy.

"If I could have played until I was 55 then I would have done.

"I would say football is much easier mentally than running your own business, but if you build your business up and work hard at it and it is successful it is hugely enjoyable.

"But you have to have a proper go at it and work very hard."

The event was the latest to be organised by the university's Business School.