It is with deep sadness that the PFA has learned of the passing of former England player Frank Worthington, aged 72.
Worthington began his career at Huddersfield Town and went on to play in 22 consecutive Football League seasons from 1966 to 1987 and played for 20 clubs including in America, Sweden, South Africa, the Republic of Ireland and Wales.
He turned professional at Huddersfield Town in 1966 and made 171 appearances and scored 42 goals.
In 1972 he moved to Leicester City and went on to play for the Foxes over 210 times. It was during this time that he made eight England appearances, scoring two goals.
After leaving Leicester in 1977 he moved to Bolton Wanderers, where he scored 35 goals in 82 appearances, won the Golden Boot award for the 1978-1979 season ahead of Kenny Dalgleish and scored one of the defining goals of his career against Ipswich at Burnden Park in April 1979.
In 1979 he left Bolton and went on to have several loan stretches in the US followed by spells at Birmingham, Leeds United, Sunderland, Southampton, Brighton &Hove Albion, Preston North End, Stockport County and Tranmere Rovers where he was player-manager in 1985.
He also made several non-league club appearances, his final club being Halifax Town where he was player-coach in1991-1992.
Worthington enjoyed a dazzling career, providing entertainment with his flair on the pitch as well as his exuberant personality off it.
Gordon Taylor OBE said, “I am very sad to hear about the passing of Frank Worthington.
“He was a great player and great character who lit up the game as well as a marvellous after dinner entertainer with his football tales.
“Our deepest sympathies to Carol and all his family. Frank be much missed but never forgotten!”
The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the PFA are with Frank’s family and friends.
