Displaying some eye-raising parental priorities he said he wanted to teach Frank Junior all the tricks so he could be the greatest Casanova of all time. 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. 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. And boy did Frank have fun. Best wants everyone to love him. I just wanted every girl to go to bed with me.. 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. Tom Grant was involved in a gaffe during Wigan's win over Castleford Tigers. or. [6], Worthington began his career as a forward for Huddersfield Town in 1966[7] before playing for Leicester City,[8] Bolton Wanderers,[9] Birmingham City, Leeds United, Sunderland, Southampton,[10] Brighton and Hove Albion,[11] Tranmere Rovers, Preston North End, Stockport County and Galway United. The increased risk of dementia for footballers after years of heading the ball has only recently become known. In another,he recalls joining theMile High Club with a French woman he had known for 20 minutes on a flight to Los Angeles while playing forLeicester City. '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. And when he was asked to name his previous clubs he answered: "The Playboy, Tramps and Sandpiper.". I never have regrets. 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?". Juggling the ball, practising tricks and free-kicks. Former England striker Frank Worthington has died aged 72 following a long illness. I did all right for myself, thanks very much.. Take the occasion in 1972 when Worthington nearly signed for Liverpool for what would then have been a club-record fee of 150,000. When we walked back the next day, there was the car balancing on the edge of a big drop.. Happily, I didn't have my moustache at the time.'. Worthington's wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in Huddersfield. 00:30 GMT 24 Mar 2021. Ex-England forward Jeff Astle died in January 2002 aged 59 and an inquest found his death was from repeatedly heading balls. In that same interview,Worthington told how US actressRaquel Welch tried to kiss him after a game atChelsea. Around 1978 the marriage broke down, giving Frank the freedom to play the field even more. It was, he admitted, a mistake. Worthington, who also played for Leeds United, battled dementia and prostate cancer after retirement and while he initially earned a living on the after-dinner speaking circuit, offers eventually stopped and the death of the former Terriers striker has left his widow in a precarious position. I took her out later to a nightclub. Displaying some eye-raising parental priorities he said he wanted to teach Frank Junior all the tricks so he could be the greatest Casanova of all time. [32], He died on 22 March 2021 following a lengthy illness at the age of 72 in Huddersfield.[33][34]. He was always treated with such suspicion by England management. His wife CarolWorthington said:'Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life. "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. Southampton hailed Worthington for the joy he took to the south coast in his one-year stint with the Saints. I'm heartbroken at the loss of a friend, and to such a devastating disease, but I cherish the times I had with him. [5] His nephew Gary was also a professional footballer. "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life," she said. Carol Dwyer. He was big, good in the air, a real presence. Indeed, he admitted to hankering after a musical career himself. 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 . He once admitted that should he have 'taken things a little easier early on' he would have progressed in his career further. 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. Her gloves are new. We were part of a unique cohort in the Seventies that have become known subsequently as The Mavericks. He said: 'I've had conversations with Alan Shearer and Ian Wright and others about the worry that come 10, 15 years that it might happen to one of us. 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.. The Jeff Astle Foundation believe the number may represent a fraction of the actual total. After the money stopped coming in I was made bankrupt as well. He also upset Englands caretaker manager Joe Mercer by sneaking a girl up to his hotel room after a game. The Super League fixture had been a doubt due to safety concerns relating to the pitch. As we got older, we stayed in touch, though sadly dementia took a hold on him. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Tough guy boss Revie wasnt so forgiving when Frank ignored his clear instructions not to go out. Right in the far corner past Paul Cooper's left hand. Oh s---, he exclaimed. Franks cause of death has not been announced. It was so sad to see. There were rumours that he had a sexually transmitted disease, but the player insisted it was blood pressure due to constant carousing. 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? 'Hundreds of players have died. Even the referee clapped. It was, he admitted, a mistake. Facebook gives people the. What a talent Frank Worthington was. There was a big headline in the local paper: Worthington Arrives Today. Worthington was born into a footballing family in Shelf, near Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire. [27], Worthington lived a playboy lifestyle. Carol Dwyer is the wife of the popular former football player Frank Worthington who recently passed away at the age of 72. A flick of the ball with that magic wand of a left foot and the defender was left scrambling in his wake. 'He wasn't impressed.'. Join Facebook to connect with Carol Dwyer and others you may know. Why should I? For other inquiries Contact Us. In 1973 Frank married his first wife Birgitta, who had already given birth to his son Frank Junior. Unfortunately, there was a problem at the medical: his blood pressure was too high. Gordon Taylor has been fantastic and helped in so many ways but I desperately need help for the future, Carol Worthington added. Slipping out the hotel through a side door with a few other England players they visited a casino. In later life, when asked who he had played for, he liked to reply I had 11 clubs or 12 if you count Stringfellows.. The football legend spoke extensively about his sexual exploits in his autobiography One Hump or Two? Frank Worthington Death He died peacefully in hospital in Huddersfield on 22 March 2021, at the age of 72 following a long illness, his family announced. Tough guy boss Revie wasnt so forgiving when Frank ignored his clear instructions not to go out. I never have regrets. The only silverware he picked up during that long career was the old Division Two title with Huddersfield Town. Light on his feet, agile, you couldnt take your eyes off him. Worthington's wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in . 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. Born in Halifax, his last gig was as player-coach for Halifax Town, aged 44. He was my boyhood hero when he was at LCFC. Lives in Eugene, Oregon. and Eight: it is an absolute insult. 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. I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. The 62-year-old revealed Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, had helped in many ways' and he is set to attend Worthington's funeral today. He did his best to hide it, but you could see there was a confusion in his eyes, the effect of dementia. [14], Worthington's spell at Tranmere Rovers was as player-manager and although he had some success he did not return to management. The question always lingered, though, how much of a star Frank would have been if hed reserved those skills for the football pitch. Shortly after leaving the club in 1972 he boasted: I was pulling girls every night. Her crime novels have sold over one million Continue reading About Carol. I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. "Frankbrought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life," CarolWorthingtonsaid. He was my boyhood hero when he was at @LCFC," Lineker posted on social media. Great pals with the late George Best he lived with Lindy, the sister of the Manchester United stars first wife Angie. Carol W Dwyer: Known as: Carol Dwyer Carol Dwyer Wood: Related to: Karen R Dwyer, 70 Karren R Dwyer, 71: Associates: Ruth Williams, 63 Ron Williams: Phones: (409) 866-5198: Addreses: Chandler, AZ 420 Longmeadow St, Beaumont, TX 77707 Nederland, TX: Occupation: Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations He quickly made a big impression at his first club Huddersfield Town, scoring 41 goals in 171 appearances. She was young and attractive, so what was a man supposed to do?. [28] In 1972 he undertook a medical at Liverpool ahead of a proposed transfer to the club. 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. He spoke about the goal in his last ever interview in 2016. However, his loved ones described how the disease took over his life - leaving him a shell of the charismatic great he once was. 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. 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. 'Frankie Wortho' was a cult figure whose career began in 1966 . Author of feel-good comedies and crime fiction including #1 bestseller An Eye For An Eye Rep'd Jane Rotrosen Agency NY https://amzn.to/2LjRb1r. His brother Bob told The Athleticin 2019thatWorthington's deterioration was so severe he would forget who he was. 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. 'If I had known what I know now, I would have certainly limited the amount of heading I did. 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 will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much.'. LEGENDS of the game, footie experts and celebrity fans paid tribute to Frank on social media. That first touch killed the ball stone dead. The football legend spoke extensively about his sexual exploits in his autobiography One Hump or Two? Posted on February 9, 2023. But I soon realised this didnt matter a damn.. 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. But Frank denied suffering from the brain disease. 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.. 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. Many England fans wondered why Frank, whose majestic skills were compared to Best, didnt play more for his country. 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. 'Our thoughts are with his family and friends.'. She was young and attractive, so what was a man supposed to do?. Frank also won the Golden Boot title in 1979 for the 24 goals he scored for Bolton Wanderers in the top division. 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. His most famous goal, considered one of the best of all time, came for Bolton against Ipswich Town, where he did a fewkeepy uppies outside the box before flicking it over his head and volleying it into the net. Everyone was chasing us for money but with sickness and other benefits we just about managed to get the interest paid on the mortgage. . I did all right for myself, thanks very much.. to Carol Dwyer [registered in Halifax, December 1986]. Worthington played into his 40s making 757 English League appearances and scoring 234 goals. But I soon realised this didnt matter a damn.. Profoundly saddened to hear Frank Worthington has died. "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private. 12 Jack Elsom I just said: "Wow, brilliant". [13] [24], While a Leicester City player, Worthington won eight caps for England in 1974. Comments. And he wouldnt go out with us that evening. There are things we can do and we can put in place.'. Sometimes Id wonder if they were with me because I was Frank Worthington, the footballer, or if they genuinely fancied me as a bloke. Huddersfield Town's Second Division champions 196970", "Where Are They Now? And we do not even know what has happened in the amateur game.'. "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his. Comment. [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. Best wants everyone to love him. He wants everyone to love him. Paul Heckingbottom reacts to Sheffield United defeat as 'too many good players lacked quality', Paul Heckingbottom has been speaking live from Ewood Park following today's 1-0 defeat to Blackburn, Sheffield Wednesday team confirmed to face Peterborough United with Reece James still missing, Darren Moore's side are at home to the Posh as they bid to strengthen their grip on top spot in League One and go 21 unbeaten in the league, Tearful Huddersfield Town look resigned to League One fate after latest four-goal horror show, Neil Warnock had told his players he would not accept another performance like against Burnley last week, but if anything they were even worse as they collapsed on their own turf, Footage emerges of astonishing moment referee 'tackles' Wigan Warriors winger to deny certain try. There was Stan Bowles, Charlie George, Alan Hudson, Tony Currie, Frank, me and at the centre of it, George Best. Frank also won the Golden Boot title in 1979 for the 24 goals he scored for Bolton Wanderers in the top division. 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. Alf Ramsey, Englands understated manager, turned white. After the game, guess who I got a strong connection with? Frank Worthington with model Carol Dwyer. he said 'no comment', A jury at Bradford Crown Court have heard details of police interviews given by Mohammed Taroos Khan, Yorkshire waterfall walks you have to try at least once in your life, We've compiled a list of the top 10 walking trails in Yorkshire. A JustGiving page has been set up in memory of Worthington to raise money for both his wife of 35 years and dementia charities, with 90 per cent of the final total set to go to a charity. 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. Mind, he did have a reputation, Frank. 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. And boy was he skilful. They had a son and a daughter together: Frank Junior and Kim Malou. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. And the player-turned-pundit has spearheaded Sportsmail's campaign for research funding, temporary concussion substitutes and limited heading in training to protect players. [26], Worthington further represented England in the 1991 edition of the World Cup of Masters, scoring in the opening round against Uruguay. Former Leicester, Tottenham and England striker Gary Lineker also offered his condolences on Twitter. Because I tell you what, there werent many who, when they had a ball at their feet, could lift the soul like Frank Worthington. Why should I? A naturally gifted attacker, Frank was born to play the beautiful game. He confessed to smoking cannabis and snorting cocaine through a bank note. 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. The only silverware he picked up during that long career was the old Division Two title with Huddersfield Town. Gary Lineker hailed the ex-England striker his 'boyhood hero' and described him as 'a beautiful footballer, a maverick and a wonderful character.'. All of our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time," Birmingham posted on Twitter. Learn more about Carol Dwyer by following the article below. We played against each other in the 1984 FA Cup semi-final at Highbury when I was at Everton and he was at Southampton. 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. Home; Carpet Cleaning; Upholstery Cleaning; Our thoughts are with Frank's loved ones,' the club tweeted. He boasted of sleeping with a different woman every night, bedding a teenager followed by her mother and dating a string of beauties. 'I had quite a lot of hair and was a lot younger then. One Hump or Two? The Frank Worthington Story - Ian Worthington with Steve Wells and Nick Cooper (ACL & Polar Publishing, 21 November 1994) Contains a flicker-vision card box. "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life . ', Football commentatorGary Taphouse added: 'RIP Frank Worthington. 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. 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. Slipping out the hotel through a side door with a few other England players they visited a casino. View the profiles of professionals named "Carol Dwyer" on LinkedIn. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. He was a born performer and that was his stage. Then he said his most difficult opponent was the taxman. It comes after several former footballers died of dementia, including England's 1966 World Cup heroes Nobby Stiles, Jack Charlton, Martin Peters and Ray Wilson. Yet, in the players' lounge, after the game, he was the first over with a drink saying how pleased he was for me. 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. 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! 'I am actually edging away from goal at this point, but then all of a sudden I flick it over my head, spin past Butcher and Osman so now they are going totally the wrong way! 'The club is saddened to learn of the passing of Frank Worthington aged 72. Log In. 'Now I am facing my team's goal with the opponents' goal behind me. 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. I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. Sutton's professional footballer father, Mike, died on Boxing Day following a 10-year battle with dementia. 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's first club Huddersfield tweeted: "Everyone at#htafcis devastated to hear of the passing of Town legendFrankWorthington. Which wasnt altogether fair. 22:30 GMT 23 Mar 2021 Bang! All reactions: 43. "A beautiful footballer, a maverick and a wonderful character who was so kind to this young apprentice when he joined the club. Find your friends on Facebook. 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. He said: Next morning, after the girl had got up early for work, her muzzer woke me up with a cup of tea. 'I have regular health checks, including the brain. Shortly after leaving the club in 1972 he boasted: I was pulling girls every night. Carol Wyer. Leicester were another of Worthington's former clubs to issue a tribute. Thanks to his family, I managed to get over to Yorkshire to see Frank for a last glass of wine and I'm glad he still recognised me so we could share a few more laughs. 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. His daughter Dawn, 53, has since led the campaign to battle the dementia in football. 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. '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. 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. Worthingtons Football League career lasted from 1966 to 1987, featuring 266 goals from his 882 appearances. Instead the player seduced a young woman on the aeroplane and went on a two week bender with her. Huddersfield, Leicester and Bolton clubs also honoured their former star, who led an extraordinary 828-game career racking up 260 goals. Writer: The Passion of Joan of Arc. [16][19] Worthington also had the reputation for enjoying the high life. 'A spokesman for his wife Carol said Frank died peacefully in hospital in Huddersfield following a long illness.'.