He confessed to smoking cannabis and snorting cocaine through a bank note. It's an insult that my fellow seventies maverick won just eight England caps. In 14 of those seasons he played in the top division, notching 150 goals in 466 matches, and won the Golden Boot award in 1978/79 as the leading scorer ahead of Kenny Dalglish and Frank Stapleton. Commenting on his escapades in 1985 he said: 'I admit I have not been an angel, but nothing has ever come before football.'. He was a hero to Gary Lineker when the pair overlapped for six months at Filbert Street, though not exactly a mentor. His personal level of performance, he once told an interviewer, is more important to me than the team winning. On hearing that Worthington had high blood pressure, manager Bill Shankly sent him to Majorca for a week for health reasons. I was wearing some wild clothes and she tried to kiss me on the dance floor. Today his former clubs paid their respects to one of football's . There is still a common bond, an affinity with one another, that stems from back then, because footballers are frustrated pop stars and the pop stars are all frustrated footballers., As with the other members of the mavericks group Alan Hudson, Tony Currie, Rodney Marsh, Charlie George, Stan Bowles Worthingtons propensity for showboating sometimes attracted flak from the stands. The illegitimate son of a Danish farmer and his Swedish housekeeper, Carl Theodor Dreyer was born in Copenhagen on the 3th of February, 1889. For this mercurial talent, who has died at the age of 72, was just as well known for his inexhaustible exploits in the bedroom and on the dancefloor as his prowess in front of goal. I'll have my triannual test this summer and ask if there's anything they can establish around the brain, because I don't see how, given the circumstances any footballer wouldn't be worried about it.'. Worthington's wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in Huddersfield. Carol was her husband's full-time carer as he battled dementia and prostate cancer Everyone was chasing us for money but with sickness and other benefits we just about managed to get the interest paid on the mortgage. "Oh," he'd say, and then he wouldn't talk any more.'. He said: This is where I differ from George Best. 10:12 EST 23 Mar 2021. Slipping out the hotel through a side door with a few other England players they visited a casino. He was part of a group of half-a-dozen freaky footballers who looked like they had strayed off the set of Top of the Pops. Worthington, who also had a spell as Tranmere player-manager, scored twice for England during eight appearances and leaves behind wife Carol and children Frank Jnr and Kim, both from his previous marriage with Birgitta Egermalm. Tough guy boss Revie wasnt so forgiving when Frank ignored his clear instructions not to go out. 'I had to remind him, as gently as I could, that he actually meant "our parents" because they were his mum and dad as well. LEGENDS of the game, footie experts and celebrity fans paid tribute to Frank on social media. Frank Worthington's widow has revealed she is being forced to sell the family home due to an uncertain financial future which she describes as terribly bleak. [16][19] Worthington also had the reputation for enjoying the high life. And I remember thinking at the time: come on Frank, you and I both know come next week youll be out on the seventh night too. What a talent Frank Worthington was. By He was a born performer and that was his stage. One of English football's great mavericks, Worthington died peacefully in hospital on March 22 at the age of 72 following a long illness and the funeral of the former Huddersfield . Carol married #FrankWorthington." Carol Dwyer: Frank Worthington Wife Premier League winner Chris Sutton has told MPs that the authorities have stood by while players have died as a result of dementia they developed through playing professional football. 2 shares. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends," Bolton tweeted. Carol Worthington, Frank Worthington's wife In a long career that began in 1966 he played in 22 consecutive Football League seasons. We are seeing more great names every day battling this disease and it is important we continue to take steps to change this, for their families' sakes, for Frank's sake. Because were he around now, Frank would have earned himself 100 England caps not the eight he got. 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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Ladies man Frank Worthington has died aged 72, The former striker, pictured with George Best and Alex Higgins, was known as 'the working man's Best', The cult hero passed away after a long battle with dementia, Frank played for 24 clubs including Leicester City and Leeds United, Frank was a notorious ladies man until he eventually settled down with his second wife Carol Dwyer, The Elvis fan, seen rocking out with TV's Grumbleweeds, tried to keep his 'nocturnal activities' secret, Frank boasted of sleeping with Miss World Mary Stavin, Miss Barbados Lindy Field, Profumo Affair model Mandy Rice-Davies and his first wife Birgitta, who won Miss Sweden (pictured), Frank was famed for his ability to juggle the ball on the pitch, He won the Golden Boot title in 1979 for the 24 goals he scored for Bolton Wanderers, He played until he was aged 43, running out for over 20 clubs here and in the US. When Frank, Willie Morgan, Mike Walsh and I went to an Elvis convention in Blackpool, Frank was even more popular than the Elvis impersonator on stage, jumping up to sing Suspicious Minds. 'Then I tried to explain that Dad died 40-odd years ago and Mum 25 years ago. Worthington's wife, Carol, paid tribute to one of the game's great entertainers. Carol Worthington, speaking at their Huddersfield home, said: "Frank had been declared bankrupt after returning from playing in America when he was landed with a big, unpaid tax bill. After the divorce came through in 1977, his expensive lifestyle which Steens excellent book The Mavericks described as shopping sprees on the Kings Road and a rapid turnover of sports cars had to be toned down a little. The Super League fixture had been a doubt due to safety concerns relating to the pitch. 'If I had known what I know now, I would have certainly limited the amount of heading I did. His life is one to be celebrated and one that would be all the more fitting if it helps raise greater awareness for the fight many footballers face against dementia. His wife CarolWorthington said:'Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life. On another occasion he was fined by Huddersfield Town for hiding exotic dancers in his hotel wardrobe before a big match. Living close to the edge was what Frank was used to. 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According to research on dementia, ex-footballers are 3.5 times more likely to die from the illness than the general population. But he will also be remembered as a dedicated playboy who loved to impersonate Elvis the explanation for his flamboyant sideburns and who took pride in his extensive list of conquests. Six of the 11 players who won the title for Burnley in 1959-60 have died with dementia while a seventh, Jimmy Robson, is also now struggling with the illness. He was dating Miss Great Britain at the time, but he used the break to pick up a series of international admirers including a Swedish mother-and-daughter combination. That goal he scored for Bolton, flicking the ball over his head before volleying it into the corner of the net: that was a piece of magic that will be admired as long as football is played. In 1973 Frank married his first wife Birgitta, who had already given birth to his son Frank Junior. A record breaking deal to sign for Liverpool in 1972 fell through because two weeks of sex and partying left him with high blood pressure. However, his loved ones described how the disease took over his life - leaving him a shell of the charismatic great he once was. In later life, when asked who he had played for, he liked to reply I had 11 clubs or 12 if you count Stringfellows.. Tom Grant was involved in a gaffe during Wigan's win over Castleford Tigers. On the football pitch, my word what a presence he was. Both of his parents had played the game[4] and his two older brothers, Dave and Bob, became professional footballers, both began their careers with Halifax Town. Our thoughts are with Frank's loved ones,' the club tweeted. Take the occasion in 1972 when Worthington nearly signed for Liverpool for what would then have been a club-record fee of 150,000. Everton won but I couldn't help feel for Frank because it was probably his last chance to play in an FA Cup final. Frank loved life, he loved Elvis, but more than anything, he loved his football. 2,469 Followers, 3,131 Following, 1,504 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Carol Wyer (@carolwyer) carolwyer. We played against each other in the 1984 FA Cup semi-final at Highbury when I was at Everton and he was at Southampton. Oh s---, he exclaimed. 3,131 following. Frank Stewart Worthington (23 November 1948 22 March 2021) was an English footballer who played as a forward. Meanwhile, Gary Lineker lead the tributes the footballing great online, taking to Twitter to dubWorthington his 'boyhood hero'. Frank said: Yeah, I was a bit of a rascal. Frank also had a daughter, Kim-Malou, with Birgitta but parenthood did not slow him down. But Frank denied suffering from the brain disease. RIP Frank Worthington, one of the greats.Paddy McGuinness, One of the great entertainers, scorer of one of the greatest ever goals. Sky Sports Gary Taphouse, What a player, got fans off their seats, a great entertainer. TalkSports Ian Abrahams, He later confessed: In my Leicester days, it wasnt a night out unless you were in at six in the morning after a visit to the Playboy Club.. Daughter of Noel Dwyer, international goalkeeper. When Frank Worthington arrived at Heathrow Airport in June 1972, ready for an England Under-23 tour of Eastern Europe, he wore high-heeled cowboy boots, a red silk shirt, black slacks and a lime velvet jacket. Very sad news. Tony Cottee, A great player, entertainer and character, even at 9 we had to go just to see him play. Worthington scored on his second start, a 2-2 draw against Argentina at Wembley, by producing an ingenious and instinctive finish with his back to goal. Worthington's wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in . He really was that good. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. 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Frank also won the Golden Boot title in 1979 for the 24 goals he scored for Bolton Wanderers in the top division. Elvis fan Frank said: I dont see any harm in trying things out, but drug taking is certainly not something I would recommend to anyone.. Bolton Wanderers 1977-78 Second Division Champions", "Frank Worthington dies aged 72: Tributes paid to former Huddersfield, Leicester and England striker", Frank Worthington management career statistics, Frank Worthington Bob's 7071 Footballers, 198586 Football League Fourth Division PFA Team of the Year, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_Worthington&oldid=1138220748, England under-23 international footballers, North American Soccer League (19681984) players, English Football League representative players, First Division/Premier League top scorers, English expatriate sportspeople in Sweden, English expatriate sportspeople in the United States, Expatriate soccer players in the United States, Expatriate soccer players in South Africa, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, *Club domestic league appearances and goals, This page was last edited on 8 February 2023, at 16:23. Worthington's former clubs Bolton and Birmingham added their tributes on social media. One of English football's great mavericks, Worthington died peacefully in hospital on March 22 at the age of 72 following a long illness and the funeral of the former Huddersfield Town and Leicester forward will take place in Halifax on Friday. More #bbcfootball BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 23, 2021. Jemma Carr A record breaking deal to sign for Liverpool in 1972 fell through because two weeks of sex and partying left him with high blood pressure. His legacy for me will be of a great character, a terrific football showman and a top, top bloke. They gave the time his flight was due in and encouraged all the fans to go and greet him. 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But he could pass, he could dribble, his movement off the ball was so intelligent. 'Hundreds of players have died. He was a beloved player, flamboyant both on and off the pitch and left an indelible mark on those who witnessed his attacking talent. Find your friends on Facebook. It was madness Frank didnt play more for his country. 'The fact is the FA and PFA [Professional Footballers' Association] have not done anywhere near enough. Great pals with the late George Best he lived with Lindy, the sister of the Manchester United stars first wife Angie. 2,469 followers. W---y-w---y-w---y-w---y-Worthington! they would shout. 1,504 posts. For more adventurous managers, though, the creativity in his silky left foot outweighed any perceived lack of discipline. Rest in peace, Elvis. Stan Collymore, A true showman and great footballer but even better bloke.John Fashanu, Absolute luxury. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Most relevant . Mind, he did have a reputation, Frank. Joe picked entertaining players, said Keegan at the time. That first touch killed the ball stone dead. There was an aura around Frank. Bang! He once recalled: On one trip to Spain, I was driving a car with three other players and ended up crashing it and almost going over the end of a cliff. 'He wasn't impressed.'. Shortly after leaving the club in 1972 he boasted: I was pulling girls every night. There was Stan Bowles, Charlie George, Alan Hudson, Tony Currie, Frank, me and at the centre of it, George Best. Rest in peace, Elvis. Stan Collymore, A true showman and great footballer but even better bloke.John Fashanu, Absolute luxury. She was young and attractive, so what was a man supposed to do?. And boy was he skilful. He wants everyone to love him. Raquel Welch! He was still in good spirits, but mentally he was disappearing before your eyes. If there had been camera phones around when Frank was out on the town, he would be permanently banned from playing. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. The problem was, we were non-conformists at a time when the game was run at the top by those who valued conformity. Author. A beautiful footballer, maverick and wonderful character who was so kind to this young apprentice. Gary Lineker, What a character, and one of the most talented footballers I played with. Ally McCoist, What a character & what a player! Frank Worthington died on Monday at the age of 72 after battling dementia. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. When Frank's illness got particularly bad over the last five years, I became his full-time carer but now he has gone that income has stopped. They included Miss World Mary Stavin, Miss Barbados Lindy Field, Profumo Affair model Mandy Rice-Davies, his first wife Birgitta who won Miss Sweden and his second spouse Carol Dwyer, who had been a Page 3 Girl. [13] He was described by former Huddersfield and Bolton manager, Ian Greaves as "the working mans George Best". For other inquiries Contact Us. [28], He was known for his charisma, flamboyance and his hair, clothes and fast cars. He was my boyhood hero when he was at @LCFC," Lineker posted on social media. The sort of player who makes sport worthwhile. But he had to sell that precious memory in 2005 to fund his retirement. Reacting to Gary Lineker's revelation, she told the Mirror: 'It's great to see a big name like Lineker come out and do this. I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. Franks cause of death has not been announced. Around 1978 the marriage broke down, giving Frank the freedom to play the field even more. He toldSportsmail's Ian Ladyman: 'It was against Ipswich and it came to me from a throw-in and I controlled it on my head. I just wanted every girl to go to bed with me.. [31] Worthington denied her claims shortly afterwards. [28] In 1972 he undertook a medical at Liverpool ahead of a proposed transfer to the club. Profoundly saddened to hear Frank Worthington has died. The organisation leading the fight to understand a link between football and brain disease revealed in November that they know of at least 500 former players who have been affected. I just wanted every girl to go to bed with me. Lives in Eugene, Oregon. [23] He signed for Galway United in February 1989. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Ladies man Frank Worthington has died aged 72, The former striker, pictured with George Best and Alex Higgins, was known as 'the working man's Best', The cult hero passed away after a long battle with dementia, Frank played for 24 clubs including Leicester City and Leeds United, Frank was a notorious ladies man until he eventually settled down with his second wife Carol Dwyer, The Elvis fan, seen rocking out with TV's Grumbleweeds, tried to keep his 'nocturnal activities' secret, Frank boasted of sleeping with Miss World Mary Stavin, Miss Barbados Lindy Field, Profumo Affair model Mandy Rice-Davies and his first wife Birgitta, who won Miss Sweden (pictured), Frank was famed for his ability to juggle the ball on the pitch, He won the Golden Boot title in 1979 for the 24 goals he scored for Bolton Wanderers, He played until he was aged 43, running out for over 20 clubs here and in the US. Right in the far corner past Paul Cooper's left hand. Welcome Frank. Sutton's professional footballer father, Mike, died on Boxing Day following a 10-year battle with dementia.
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