Author. 'Then I tried to explain that Dad died 40-odd years ago and Mum 25 years ago. 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. '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. FORMER England striker Frank Worthington was a legend for strutting his stuff at clubs across the land and satisfying adoring fans with his keepy-uppy. Today his former clubs paid their respects to one of football's . Frank's wife says 'he brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life', Ally McCoist pays tribute Leicester legend Frank Worthington who has died at 72, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). He went on to play for Leicester and Bolton. But I soon realised this didnt matter a damn.. When he got on the training pitch though you just knew. 1,504 posts. I once read an interview with him when he had just moved clubs - to Bolton I think - and he said he was knuckling down, getting self-disciplined; instead of going out seven nights a week, he said, he was going to cut it down to just the six. In February it emerged that the FA and PFA are to commission new studies into what causes the increased risk of dementia among footballers. I did all right for myself, thanks very much.. Frank Worthington died on Monday at the age of 72 after battling dementia. Around that time he declared bankruptcy because he couldnt pay off tax bills of 36,000. Everyone raves about his classy goal of the season against Ipswich in 1979 but he'd scored an even better one in December at QPR against Phil Parkes from 30 yards. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Great pals with the late George Best he lived with Lindy, the sister of the Manchester United stars first wife Angie. Worthington was a supremely gifted player who scored one of the greatest juggling goals ever seen the 1979 volley for Bolton Wanderers against Ipswich Town, whichas you can see in the below YouTube clipbegan with four delicate keepy-uppy touches, outwitting the onrushing defensive line, before he buried the ball in the right-hand corner. When Ian Greaves, my manager at Bolton, told me he was going to sign for us I was like a little kid. 'Our thoughts are with his family and friends.'. Greaves said to me: "You'll enjoy playing with this fella," and he wasn't wrong. That memory dates from Worthingtons iconic 1970s heyday. 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. A Truth for a Truth #books. Lives in Eugene, Oregon. 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! According to Worthingtons racy autobiography, One Hump Or Two, the Liverpool manager Bill Shankly was still keen and told him to head for Majorca for a holiday. In later life, when asked who he had played for, he liked to reply I had 11 clubs or 12 if you count Stringfellows.. His daughter Dawn, 53, has since led the campaign to battle the dementia in football. That wild behaviour went too far when Frank was playing for Birmingham City between 1979 and 1982. Extravagant spending, including buying a Ford Mustang and drinking champagne at breakfast, left him bankrupt when he couldnt pay the taxman. You could talk to him about the game for hours. I have four international defenders in tow - Terry Butcher and Russell Osman are right behind me - but I am juggling with it and juggling with it. Slipping out the hotel through a side door with a few other England players they visited a casino. He was my boyhood hero when he was at LCFC. Tough guy boss Revie wasnt so forgiving when Frank ignored his clear instructions not to go out. RIP Frank (Elvis). [13] He was described by former Huddersfield and Bolton manager, Ian Greaves as "the working mans George Best". I just said: "Wow, brilliant". Worthington won eight England caps and represented over 20 clubs in a long playing career that began with Huddersfield in 1966. "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private. In his book One Hump or Two he describes some of his greatest goals, including one against Chelsea which he celebrated at a London nightclub where he danced with American actress Raquel Welch who then tried to kiss him. 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. I remember I was with him in one get together Revie organised. Commenting on his escapades in 1985 he said: 'I admit I have not been an angel, but nothing has ever come before football.'. He kept a flat in Leeds so the club did not know about his nocturnal activities or that he was abusing my body by staying out late. The kind the fans might have selected., Worthington loved football for its own sake a passion which kept him going through an extraordinary 22 seasons in the Football League. His first wife, Brigitta, was a former Miss Sweden who came over after to Britain after she became pregnant during what he called a holiday romance. 'The fact is the FA and PFA [Professional Footballers' Association] have not done anywhere near enough. The two bodies have announced they will jointly fund research to follow the 2019 FIELD project, which found ex-footballers to be three and a half times more likely to die of neurodegenerative diseases than the general population. People named Carol Dwyer. Sutton's professional footballer father, Mike, died on Boxing Day following a 10-year battle with dementia. I kept a suitably awed distance, Lineker has admitted, in keeping with his status as a superstar and my status as, basically, the dressing-room floor cleaner.. [13] Tom Grant was involved in a gaffe during Wigan's win over Castleford Tigers. He turned up at Bolton looking like he'd just left a nightclub. 'I scored a nice one at Chelsea once in a game we lost, but that's not what I remember from that day. He only stopped wearing the medallions when his wife Carol told him 'it was beginning to look a bit naff', he earlier said. 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. View the profiles of people named Carol Worthington. Frank Worthington with model Carol Dwyer. He was my boyhood hero when he was at Leicester City. 22:30 GMT 23 Mar 2021 She had a blue tight-fitting leather suit on. Born in Halifax, his last gig was as player-coach for Halifax Town, aged 44. Join Facebook to connect with Carol Worthington and others you may know. I just wanted every girl to go to bed with me. LEGENDS of the game, footie experts and celebrity fans paid tribute to Frank on social media. Worthington graced Birmingham's colours from 1979 to 1982, with the Blues quick to add their condolences. I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. But he was always up for a chat about football. Frank was running between the lines before anyone drew them. Alf Ramsey and then Don Revie as England managers had a right distrust of those who thought outside their strict guidelines. Describing meeting a Belgian brunette in Magaluf, he wrote: It was appropriate that she came from Knokke, because you should have seen her Knokke-ers when I got them out back at my villa.. The couple had spent the last 25 years living together at their Huddersfield home after the much-loved football showman eventually hung up his boots at the start of the 90s. Which wasnt altogether fair. Worthington's wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in Huddersfield. I never have regrets. Extravagant spending, including buying a Ford Mustang and drinking champagne at breakfast, left him bankrupt when he couldnt pay the taxman. 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. He could charm anyone. Profoundly saddened to hear Frank Worthington has died. It's an insult that my fellow seventies maverick won just eight England caps. Frank, who reckoned he was the first man in Britain to own a tank top, said: I suppose I have always been a bit of a peacock.. Newcastle United striker Malcolm Macdonald ended up losing 1,200 to Frank. He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much., GOT a story? Around that time he declared bankruptcy because he couldnt pay off tax bills of 36,000. 'I have always known what I was about and where I was going.'. During a lengthy playing career, the striker represented more than 20 clubs but the latter years of his life saw wife Carol became his full-time carer with benefits their only source of income. The football legend spoke extensively about his sexual exploits in his autobiography One Hump or Two? Living close to the edge was what Frank was used to. carol dwyer frank worthington Call us today! He did his best to hide it, but you could see there was a confusion in his eyes, the effect of dementia. 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. Sometimes Id wonder if they were with me because I was Frank Worthington, the footballer, or if they genuinely fancied me as a bloke. [15], He showed flair[16] and skill[17][18] in his play; he did not wear shin guards and his socks often fell to his ankles. Last week, Gary Lineker, 60, revealed he will be getting tests on his brain to check for the illness. In one way Frank was lucky that he was born at a time when he could have fun, enjoy himself, relax away from the game. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. The Frank Worthington Story - Ian Worthington with Steve Wells and Nick Cooper (ACL & Polar Publishing, 21 November 1994) Contains a flicker-vision card box. , updated Because I tell you what, there werent many who, when they had a ball at their feet, could lift the soul like Frank Worthington. His wife CarolWorthington said:'Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life. RIPFrank(Elvis).". 'They have not been interested,'he added. I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. Very sad news. Tony Cottee, A great player, entertainer and character, even at 9 we had to go just to see him play. 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. In 14 of those campaigns he played in the top division, notching 150 goals in 466 matches and claiming the Golden Boot award at the end of the 1978-79 campaign. But he had to sell that precious memory in 2005 to fund his retirement. "Frankbrought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life," CarolWorthingtonsaid. Worthington was diagnosed with dementia in 2016, and is one of hundreds of former top players to suffer with the illness as evidence grows that there is a link between heading the ball and brain injuries. After his death his wife Carol said in a statement: Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life. Never shy about discussing his pulling prowess, he also told a journalist what happened after bedding a teenager in Sweden. [26], Worthington further represented England in the 1991 edition of the World Cup of Masters, scoring in the opening round against Uruguay. View our online Press Pack. His legacy for me will be of a great character, a terrific football showman and a top, top bloke. We belonged to an exclusive little club, Frank and I - and I dont mean Stringfellows. 'I had quite a lot of hair and was a lot younger then. After the game, guess who I got a strong connection with? "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. [17][20] After his retirement from the game he turned to the after-dinner speaking circuit and also published his autobiography One Hump Or Two. "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life . He really was that good. She was young and attractive, so what was a man supposed to do?. His club managers realised they could rely on him to deliver the goods. [23] He signed for Galway United in February 1989. I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. This article is about the England international footballer. Worthington is perhaps best known for his most-famous goal, scored for Bolton againstIpswich at the old Burnden Park in 1979. But Frank described as the working mans George Best by the late Bolton manager, Ian Greaves - reckoned he was even more of a womaniser than the Belfast ladies man. Many England fans wondered why Frank, whose majestic skills were compared to Best, didnt play more for his country. Gambling was a major part of football back in those days and one marathon card game in 1974 went on until 9am in the morning after England beat Bulgaria. So far everything is OK. 12 W---y-w---y-w---y-w---y-Worthington! they would shout. His loss will be sadly mourned, and yet there will also be joy in reliving some of the games most outrageous anecdotes. In 1973 Frank married his first wife Birgitta, who had already given birth to his son Frank Junior.
In 1973 Frank married his first wife Birgitta, who had already given birth to his son Frank Junior. [21], In 1984, Worthington made three guest appearances for Manchester United against the Australian national team, Nottingham Forest and Juventus on their post-season tour of Australia. LEGENDS of the game, footie experts and celebrity fans paid tribute to Frank on social media. [32], He died on 22 March 2021 following a lengthy illness at the age of 72 in Huddersfield.[33][34]. That wild behaviour went too far when Frank was playing for Birmingham City between 1979 and 1982. Then he said his most difficult opponent was the taxman. On the marriage front, Worthington was more frugal than one might have expected from such a fast liver. Frank thought it was because his unconventional approach upset the national sides bosses. I used to go to a lot of pop concerts and got to meet a lot of the stars. Comment. We played against each other in the 1984 FA Cup semi-final at Highbury when I was at Everton and he was at Southampton. Karen Frances Rodriguez, 60. I'm applying for Universal Credit and hopefully I can get benefits to pay my rent somewhere but the future looks terribly bleak.. A naturally gifted attacker, Frank was born to play the beautiful game. His longest-lasting association was with Leicester City, whom he represented more than 200 times, while he also appeared for Birmingham City, Leeds United, Southampton and Sunderland. A flick of the ball with that magic wand of a left foot and the defender was left scrambling in his wake. Franks ability to juggle the ball on the pitch and go past defenders at will persuaded Liverpool manager Bill Shankly to offer a then 150,000 club record to sign him. Bang! [29], Worthington was married twice: firstly in 1973 to Brigitta K. Egermalm, and secondly in 1986 to Carol, the daughter of Noel Dwyer, the Irish international goalkeeper. He wants everyone to love him. He was asked to fill in one of those football magazine questionnaires once and when it said 'name your former clubs', he put 'The Playboy, Tramps and The Sandpiper'! View the profiles of people named Carol Dwyer. They have ignored, shunned, turned their backs on a massive issue. 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. [30], In May 2016, his daughter said that Worthington had Alzheimer's disease for several years. Worthingtons Football League career lasted from 1966 to 1987, featuring 266 goals from his 882 appearances. 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. Why should I? Everyone recognizes Carol as Frank Worthington's wife, which is pretty obvious when you are married to someone very popular. Carol Wyer is a USA Today bestselling author and winner of the People's Book Prize Award. Sir Alf Ramsey swore when he turned up to fly with the England team wearing cowboy boots, a velvet jacket and silk shirt. Before the second medical, Shankly sent Frank off on holiday to relax. 2,469 Followers, 3,131 Following, 1,504 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Carol Wyer (@carolwyer) carolwyer. George Best had a reputation with the ladies, he wrote in his autobiography, but I had more than my fair share.. However, his loved ones described how the disease took over his life - leaving him a shell of the charismatic great he once was. More #bbcfootball BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 23, 2021. Best wants everyone to love him. He said: Next morning, after the girl had got up early for work, her muzzer woke me up with a cup of tea. Gradually, though, he started to calm down and after he married second wife Carol in 1986 he was content to be in bed by 10pm. Famed for his audacious skills on the pitch and his veracious partying off it, Worthington passed away peacefully in hospital in West Yorkshire yesterday, his family said. The Jeff Astle Foundation believe the number may represent a fraction of the actual total. Carol married #FrankWorthington." Frank, who played for 24 clubs including Leicester City and Leeds United, also confessed to taking cocaine and nearly drove a car off a cliff in Spain. The fact is, they were suspicious of flair. Juggling the ball, practising tricks and free-kicks. He was big, good in the air, a real presence. You can see why Worthingtons attitude failed to impress Ramsey or his successor Don Revie, a pair of pragmatic England managers. [28], He was known for his charisma, flamboyance and his hair, clothes and fast cars. Off the field, he dressed like a peacock; on it, he played to the gallery. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Frank, who reckoned he was the first man in Britain to own a tank top, said: I suppose I have always been a bit of a peacock.. Why should I? There was an aura around Frank. Also known as Karren R Dwyer, K R Dwyer, Ruth Dwyer. 'He wasn't impressed.'. Today his wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, saying he 'brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life'. Sign Up. His daughter claimed in 2016 that he was suffering from Alzheimers due to heading the ball during his playing days. While his England caps ended at just eight after manager Don Revie discovered Frank had ignored a strict curfew by going out drinking and gambling at a casino. But Frank denied suffering from the brain disease. Very sad news. Tony Cottee, A great player, entertainer and character, even at 9 we had to go just to see him play. Because were he around now, Frank would have earned himself 100 England caps not the eight he got. While his England caps ended at just eight after manager Don Revie discovered Frank had ignored a strict curfew by going out drinking and gambling at a casino. Bobby Charlton was diagnosed with the disease last year while former Leeds United defender Gordon McQueen announced he had it last week. Ex-Leicester and England star Gary Lineker described him last night as my boyhood hero and a wonderful character. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 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. Discussing potential ways of limiting the impact of heading the ball, Lineker added: 'Do you want to take heading out of the game? Many England fans wondered why Frank, whose majestic skills were compared to Best, didnt play more for his country. He spoke about the goal in his last ever interview in 2016. 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. Frank Worthington's wife Carol Dwyer is in deep shock since the death of the former footballer on March 22, 2021. If there had been camera phones around when Frank was out on the town, he would be permanently banned from playing. Franks cause of death has not been announced. I even used my right foot occasionally. He opened a clothes boutique in Bolton called 'Dalglish' and even got Kenny to come over and open it. Well, anyone turning up got quite a sight. 3,131 following. The MPs on the Department of Culture Media and Sport select committee heard from 10 experts at the hearing on Tuesday, including Dawn Astle, the daughter of West Bromwich Albion forward, Jeff. Within a few years, he had found his second wife Carole Dwyer, Page Three model and daughter of Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Noel Dwyer. Please review our, You need to be a subscriber to join the conversation. 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. "It is with great sadness that the death is announced of football legend Frank Worthington who passed away last night," read the statement from Worthington's family. "Profoundly saddened to hear thatFrankWorthingtonhas died. He also refused towear shinpads on the pitch, playing with only his socks covering his ankles. The football legend spoke extensively about his sexual exploits in his autobiography One Hump or Two? I scored loads for Leicester. But with all the evidence we have you can look on the balance of probability and say heading's the problem.'. Worthingtonwore Birmingham's colours from 1979 to 1982. Paul Mariner, who was playing for Arsenal at the time, idolised Frank as a Bolton fan and had come to watch him. Huddersfield, Leicester and Bolton clubs also honoured their former star, who led an extraordinary 828-game career racking up 260 goals. In that same interview,Worthington told how US actressRaquel Welch tried to kiss him after a game atChelsea. We all shared a common perspective: football was there to be enjoyed, both for the player and the fan. Take the occasion in 1972 when Worthington nearly signed for Liverpool for what would then have been a club-record fee of 150,000. 'It is with great sadness that we heard the news of the death of Leicester City legend Frank Worthington, who passed away on 22 March, 2021,' the Foxes tweeted. carol dwyer frank worthington shjon podein childrens foundation. I did all right for myself, thanks very much.. Worthington's wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in . This relationship endured, as will Worthingtons memory as one of the most gifted and charismatic players of his day. He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much., GOT a story? Her gloves are new. Carol was her husband's full-time carer as he battled dementia and prostate cancer He had a terrific football brain, sharp as a knife. 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. [24], While a Leicester City player, Worthington won eight caps for England in 1974. or. Worthington's former clubs Bolton and Birmingham added their tributes on social media. Yet, in the players' lounge, after the game, he was the first over with a drink saying how pleased he was for me. I just wanted every girl to go to bed with me.. The question always lingered, though, how much of a star Frank would have been if hed reserved those skills for the football pitch. Huddersfield Town can't afford to rely on Josh Koroma to produce another Emile Smith Rowe moment, Surprise inclusions in Huddersfield Town's most-played side highlights depth of injury problems, Huddersfield Town 0-4 Coventry City highlights and reaction as it happened, The Terriers will be looking to make it back-to-back home wins under Neil Warnock but they face a tough challenge against Mark Robins' in-form and play-off chasing side, Sheffield Wednesday 1 Peterborough United 0 highlights as own goal sees Owls extend unbeaten run, Join us for live coverage as Darren Moore's side aim to make it 21 league games without defeat and strengthen their grip at the top of League One against the Posh, New pictures emerge showing impact of Wakefield Trinity's controversial pitch. 00:30 GMT 24 Mar 2021. He was my boyhood hero when he was at @LCFC," Lineker posted on social media. The woman's husband was asleep in the next seat. And that was just in a night club. Frank loved life, he loved Elvis, but more than anything, he loved his football. I was wearing some wild clothes and she tried to kiss me on the dance floor. [22], Late in 1988, Worthington had a brief spell with Chorley in the Football Conference, making his debut in a 00 draw with Weymouth at Victory Park on 5 November 1988. Instead the player seduced a young woman on the aeroplane and went on a two week bender with her. With Liverpool out of the picture, Frank signed for Leicester City instead, scoring 72 goals in 210 games for the Midlands side.