He said: 'I have no complaints about my life and my career so far and no regrets, apart from one thing. Frank Worthington's wife Carol Dwyer is in deep shock since the death of the former footballer on March 22, 2021. 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. 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). "It is with great sadness that Bolton Wanderers has today learned of the passing of club legendFrankWorthington. His brother Bob told The Athleticin 2019thatWorthington's deterioration was so severe he would forget who he was. Carol Dwyer. He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much., GOT a story? W---y-w---y-w---y-w---y-Worthington! they would shout. Frank also won the Golden Boot title in 1979 for the 24 goals he scored for Bolton Wanderers in the top division. On the marriage front, Worthington was more frugal than one might have expected from such a fast liver. Bob said: 'He asked me a couple of months back: "Do you ever see your parents at all?". Sir Alf Ramsey swore when he turned up to fly with the England team wearing cowboy boots, a velvet jacket and silk shirt. And he wouldnt go out with us that evening. [26], Worthington further represented England in the 1991 edition of the World Cup of Masters, scoring in the opening round against Uruguay. I just said: "Wow, brilliant". Join Facebook to connect with Carol Worthington and others you may know. A flamboyant maverick, who sported flowing long hair, a manicured moustache, medallion and John Travolta flares, Franks passion for the high life cost him his chance to reach the very top. So far everything is OK. 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. Frank Worthington has died following a long illness, aged 72, his family have announced. His daughter claimed in 2016 that he was suffering from Alzheimers due to heading the ball during his playing days. When he got on the training pitch though you just knew. I used to go to a lot of pop concerts and got to meet a lot of the stars. I'd followed Frank, especially after his move from Huddersfield to Liverpool fell through in 1972, and I'd seen him play with such style and flair for Leicester. 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. Franks cause of death has not been announced. He had a terrific football brain, sharp as a knife. [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. Tom Grant was involved in a gaffe during Wigan's win over Castleford Tigers. . Mind, he did have a reputation, Frank. She was young and attractive, so what was a man supposed to do?. Leicester were another of Worthington's former clubs to issue a tribute. We all shared a common perspective: football was there to be enjoyed, both for the player and the fan. During the peak of his powers, the flamboyant attacker played in 22 consecutive Football League seasons from 1966, scoring 266 goals in 882 appearances in all competitions. He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much., GOT a story? [12] Worthington played into his 40s making 757 English League appearances and scoring 234 goals. Jack Elsom
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. He was still in good spirits, but mentally he was disappearing before your eyes. Rest in peace, Elvis. Stan Collymore, A true showman and great footballer but even better bloke.John Fashanu, Absolute luxury. [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. He wrote: 'Profoundly saddened to hear that Frank Worthington has died. Worthington is perhaps best known for his most-famous goal, scored for Bolton againstIpswich at the old Burnden Park in 1979. And when he was asked to name his previous clubs he answered: "The Playboy, Tramps and Sandpiper.". Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. The only silverware he picked up during that long career was the old Division Two title with Huddersfield Town. He opened a clothes boutique in Bolton called 'Dalglish' and even got Kenny to come over and open it. 'As I turned to acknowledge the fans I felt sorry for Butcher, but still I couldn't resist saying something. Slipping out the hotel through a side door with a few other England players they visited a casino. He said: Next morning, after the girl had got up early for work, her muzzer woke me up with a cup of tea. Worthington's wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in Huddersfield on Monday. Carol Wyer is a USA Today bestselling author and winner of the People's Book Prize Award. Everyone was chasing us for money but with sickness and other benefits we just about managed to get the interest paid on the mortgage. 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.. He spent his early years in various foster homes before being adopted by the Dreyers at the age of two. 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. 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. 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. Due to coronavirus restrictions, a limit on the number of attendees will be enforced but Taylor and Huddersfield Town commercial manager John Williams will join 26 family members and close friends at a crematorium in Halifax. 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. 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.. Worthington scores two goals and eight caps for England in 1974. Our main priority when we went out on the pitch was to entertain, to have fun. [30], In May 2016, his daughter said that Worthington had Alzheimer's disease for several years. Unashamedly anti-establishment, Worthington hit the headlines as much for his off-field exploits as his rarefied talents on it. He also played in the United States (with NASL teams Philadelphia Fury and Tampa Bay Rowdies), South Africa and Sweden as well as in English non-League 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. (Image: Adam Gilchrist Photography/PA Wire). Log In. Worthington's former clubs Bolton and Birmingham added their tributes on social media. [32], He died on 22 March 2021 following a lengthy illness at the age of 72 in Huddersfield.[33][34]. 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. Raquel Welch! 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. 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. Everyone recognizes Carol as the wife of Frank Worthington, which is pretty obvious to happen when you're married to someone very popular. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.". Southampton hailed Worthington for the joy he took to the south coast in his one-year stint with the Saints. This was classic Worthington, the mavericks maverick who has died at the age of 72 following a long illness. He turned up at Bolton looking like he'd just left a nightclub. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. Off the field, he dressed like a peacock; on it, he played to the gallery. On the football pitch, my word what a presence he was. The sort of player who makes sport worthwhile. The odds suggest that it probably will. 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. But Frank denied suffering from the brain disease. [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. 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. In that same interview,Worthington told how US actressRaquel Welch tried to kiss him after a game atChelsea. Carol Dwyer is the wife of former popular footballer Frank Worthington, who recently died at the age of 72. Frank was a notorious ladies man until he eventually settled down with his second wife Carol Dwyer Credit: Mirrorpix 12 The Elvis fan, seen rocking out with TV's Grumbleweeds, tried to keep his . Extravagant spending, including buying a Ford Mustang and drinking champagne at breakfast, left him bankrupt when he couldnt pay the taxman. The woman's husband was asleep in the next seat. His club managers realised they could rely on him to deliver the goods. He was big, good in the air, a real presence. There was a big headline in the local paper: Worthington Arrives Today. Worthington won eight England caps and represented over 20 clubs in a long playing career that began with Huddersfield in 1966. In fact, Carol was also popular since she was a child because of her father, who was also a soccer player. Despite failing that Liverpool medical Frank played until he was aged 43, running out for over 20 clubs here and in the US, before finally hanging up his boots in 1992. Take the occasion in 1972 when Worthington nearly signed for Liverpool for what would then have been a club-record fee of 150,000. I'm heartbroken at the loss of a friend, and to such a devastating disease, but I cherish the times I had with him. One Hump or Two? Writer: The Passion of Joan of Arc. Frank said: Yeah, I was a bit of a rascal. or. Frank Stewart Worthington (23 November 1948 22 March 2021) was an English footballer who played as a forward. 'I do have some issues with short-term memory impairment but I have been assured this is not particularly unusual for a man of my age.'. He could charm anyone. Boss at Self-Employed. In his autobiography One Hump or Two?, which certainly wasnt a reference to camels, he wrote extensively about his sexual exploits. 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. One such anecdotesees him fined one week's wages by Huddersfield after being caught hiding two female dancers in his hotel wardrobe before a game at Everton. Living close to the edge was what Frank was used to. 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. Please review our, You need to be a subscriber to join the conversation. A naturally gifted attacker, Frank was born to play the beautiful game. 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'! 'She spotted me in the players' lounge and came over. Frank thought it was because his unconventional approach upset the national sides bosses. When Ian Greaves, my manager at Bolton, told me he was going to sign for us I was like a little kid. Jack Elsom
Alf Ramsey and then Don Revie as England managers had a right distrust of those who thought outside their strict guidelines. Frank also had a daughter, Kim-Malou, with Birgitta but parenthood did not slow him down. There was an aura around Frank. Facebook gives people the power to. Best wants everyone to love him. The England star,who refused to wear shinpads during matches, was compared to George Best in terms of his footballing talent and love of women and nightclubs. The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. and
Find out more, Frank Worthington was the ultimate showman, a true entertainer with and without the ball, Frank Worthington in action for Leicester City against Arsenal in 1975, Huddersfield Town Frank Worthington with his Mustang car, Worthington joins the Grumbleweeds on stage at Bailey's Club in Leicesterdressed as Elvis Presley, Arsenal complete stunning comeback with 97th minute winner to beat Bournemouth latest reaction, Red-hot Brighton hammer West Ham to stay in hunt for Europe, Jittery Chelsea hold on to earn Graham Potter relief and breathing space, The Phil Foden resurgence continues as Manchester City punish Newcastle, Erik ten Hag summons Ferguson as Man Utd try to knock Liverpool off perch again, Moises Caicedo contract will not stop Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool interest. Carol Dwyer. 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. , updated They had a son and a daughter together: Frank Junior and Kim Malou. Halifax-born Frank Worthington, one of English football's great mavericks, has d. In an interview Carol revealed that the couple have had financial problems - Frank had previously been. We are no longer accepting comments on this article.
[27], Worthington lived a playboy lifestyle. I did all right for myself, thanks very much.. Profoundly saddened to hear Frank Worthington has died. 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. He only stopped wearing the medallions when his wife Carol told him 'it was beginning to look a bit naff', he earlier said. 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. The flamboyant striker, who represented more than 20 clubs and scored more than 260 goals during his lengthy playing career, including for the national side, died last month at the age of 72 following a long illness. carol dwyer frank worthington Call us today! 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. 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. The legendarily flamboyant former Huddersfield Town and England centre forward died last month at the age of 72 and his funeral will be held in Halifax on Friday. But he could pass, he could dribble, his movement off the ball was so intelligent. An avid Elvis fan - once christened 'the cowboy' on an England Under 23 trip - he often donned medallion-man jewellery, paired with a shirt open at the chest, a fedora andbuckled leather boots with his hair slicked back withBrylcreem. Plus he scored big goals at times that mattered. Follow. You can see why Worthingtons attitude failed to impress Ramsey or his successor Don Revie, a pair of pragmatic England managers. Worthington played into his 40s making 757 English League appearances and scoring 234 goals. Worthington was born into a footballing family in Shelf, near Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire. After encounters with five separate women, including a former Miss Great Britain, during the break, he returned showing higher blood pressure and the transfer fell through. 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. I never have regrets. Alf Ramsey, Englands understated manager, turned white. He said: This is where I differ from George Best. 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. He once had four court appearances for driving in one year including one for doing a u-turn on the motorway in his red Ford Mustang. Sutton's professional footballer father, Mike, died on Boxing Day following a 10-year battle with dementia. [28] In 1972 he undertook a medical at Liverpool ahead of a proposed transfer to the club. 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. He also refused towear shinpads on the pitch, playing with only his socks covering his ankles. Worthington's former clubs Bolton and Birmingham added their tributes on social media. Worthington's wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in Huddersfield. Welcome Frank. The time between the heading to outcome is often decades. Bang! Best wants everyone to love him. Huddersfield were not exactly a glamour club, but that didnt stop Frank becoming a major attraction. "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. 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. 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. 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. ", "Frank Worthington's most memorable moments", "Frank Worthington: Ex-England striker has Alzheimer's disease, says daughter", "Frank Worthington: Ex-England striker denies Alzheimer's diagnosis", "Frank Worthington: Former England striker dies aged 72 following long illness", "Where Are They Now? 3,131 following. Oh s---, he exclaimed. 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. 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.. I was wearing some wild clothes and she tried to kiss me on the dance floor. Well, anyone turning up got quite a sight. 'If only I had taken things a little easier early on, I would have gone to Liverpool and the sky would have been the limit, but I have never made excuses for anything because that is a weakness. [31] Worthington denied her claims shortly afterwards. Worthington is pictured Carole Dwyer (Image: Sunday Mirror) Former Sunderland players Gary Rowell and Nick Pickering have lead the tributes to former Black Cats striker Frank Worthington who died . 1,504 posts. 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. A naturally gifted attacker, Frank was born to play the beautiful game. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. What have I f---ing done?. 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. 'I have always known what I was about and where I was going.'. 'Saints FC is saddened by the passing of Frank Worthington, who lit up The Dell with his talents in 1983/84. Many England fans wondered why Frank, whose majestic skills were compared to Best, didnt play more for his country. Frank Worthington was one of English football's great mavericks One of English football's great mavericks, Worthington died peacefully in hospital on March 22 at the age of 72 following a. Jemma Carr
"The club is saddened to learn of the passing ofFrankWorthingtonaged 72. 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. 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.. He said: This is where I differ from George Best. Eight: it is an absolute insult. Huddersfield Town Association Football Club's Twitter account wrote: 'Everyone at Huddersfield Town Football Club is devastated to hear of the passing of Town legend Frank Worthington. Author. Carol Wyer. View the profiles of people named Carol Worthington. There was a time when every night club I went into he seemed already to be there, bootlace tie, hair slicked back, another girl on his arm. 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. Jemma Carr
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Worthingtons Football League career lasted from 1966 to 1987, featuring 266 goals from his 882 appearances. Before the second medical, Shankly sent Frank off on holiday to relax. After the game, guess who I got a strong connection with? When we walked back the next day, there was the car balancing on the edge of a big drop.. and
He also upset Englands caretaker manager Joe Mercer by sneaking a girl up to his hotel room after a game. But I soon realised this didnt matter a damn.. The FA and PFA are seeking applications from researchers to answer the question: what is the cause of the observed increased risk of death from neurodegenerative disorders in former professional footballers found in the FIELD study? Great pals with the late George Best he lived with Lindy, the sister of the Manchester United stars first wife Angie. No I don't think so, but you can take heading out of training, or limit it massively. He made his debut on 15 May against Northern Ireland in the 197374 British Home Championship, coming on as a substitute in a 10 victory at Wembley. "After. My father among them. Our thoughts are with Frank's loved ones,' the club tweeted. Contrary to popular belief (perhaps nourished by the fact that his films often deal with . After the money stopped coming in I was made bankrupt as well. Related To Carol Dwyer, Tom Dwyer. Worthington graced Birmingham's colours from 1979 to 1982, with the Blues quick to add their condolences. Rock-star good looks, long hair, sharp sideburns, a fluorescent, flowery shirt, tight purple jeans and cowboy boots and we all thought "Jeez, what's this?". He also upset Englands caretaker manager Joe Mercer by sneaking a girl up to his hotel room after a game. It was the decade when, as the author Rob Steen put it, flair wore flares. 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. 'I have regular health checks, including the brain. 'We have to recognise this and we cannot keep talking about it. RIPFrank(Elvis).". "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life," she said. Worthington's daughter, Kim Malou, announced on Facebook in 2016 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, but he issued a statement the following day denying that he had the condition. [14], Worthington's spell at Tranmere Rovers was as player-manager and although he had some success he did not return to management.
He once admitted that should he have 'taken things a little easier early on' he would have progressed in his career further. He was my boyhood hero when he was at @LCFC," Lineker posted on social media. Her crime novels have sold over one million Continue reading About Carol. Home; Carpet Cleaning; Upholstery Cleaning; I never have regrets. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. - Advise management, executives, human resources, safety, and security professionals on a variety of employment law issues such as wage and hour, hiring and disciplinary decisions, harassment and . 'The era of the 1966 players has made us really aware of this.'. Here, Peter Reid offers his memories of a dear friend. He played for Huddersfield Town, Leicester City, and several other football teams during his career. His loss will be sadly mourned, and yet there will also be joy in reliving some of the games most outrageous anecdotes. 'I pointed to the Main Stand and said: 'You could have got a better view of that from over there.' I did all right for myself, thanks very much.. 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.