Even the referee clapped. I did all right for myself, thanks very much.. Our main priority when we went out on the pitch was to entertain, to have fun. [14], Worthington's spell at Tranmere Rovers was as player-manager and although he had some success he did not return to management. There were rumours that he had a sexually transmitted disease, but the player insisted it was blood pressure due to constant carousing. Sutton's professional footballer father, Mike, died on Boxing Day following a 10-year battle with dementia. In February it emerged that the FA and PFA are to commission new studies into what causes the increased risk of dementia among footballers. But Frank denied suffering from the brain disease. W---y-w---y-w---y-w---y-Worthington! they would shout. And he continued to turn out for their reserves even after that. February 28, 2022 Carol Dwyer is the wife of the popular former football player Frank Worthington who recently passed away at the age of 72. 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. Paul Mariner, who was playing for Arsenal at the time, idolised Frank as a Bolton fan and had come to watch him. This article is about the England international footballer. Frank said: Yeah, I was a bit of a rascal. Contrary to popular belief (perhaps nourished by the fact that his films often deal with . 'Saints FC is saddened by the passing of Frank Worthington, who lit up The Dell with his talents in 1983/84. He wants everyone to love him. I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. 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. On hearing that Worthington had high blood pressure, manager Bill Shankly sent him to Majorca for a week for health reasons. Like. His personal level of performance, he once told an interviewer, is more important to me than the team winning. But with all the evidence we have you can look on the balance of probability and say heading's the problem.'. The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. Please review our, You need to be a subscriber to join the conversation. A Truth for a Truth #books. Plus he scored big goals at times that mattered. 'I have always known what I was about and where I was going.'. Unashamedly anti-establishment, Worthington hit the headlines as much for his off-field exploits as his rarefied talents on it. Lives in Eugene, Oregon. to Carol Dwyer [registered in Halifax, December 1986]. The front cover featured a smiling Worthington, contemplating putting lumps of sugar in his cup of tea; the book title is a deliberate sexual pun. He was big, good in the air, a real presence. Frank also had a daughter, Kim-Malou, with Birgitta but parenthood did not slow him down. Then he said his most difficult opponent was the taxman. 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.. 'This meeting should have happened 20 years ago,' said Sutton. He also refused towear shinpads on the pitch, playing with only his socks covering his ankles. My father among them. Peter Reid For The Daily Mail, 'A beautiful footballer, a maverick and a wonderful character': Gary Lineker leads tributes to his 'boyhood hero' Frank Worthington after flamboyant ex-England striker died aged 72 following dementia-related illness, Former England striker Frank Worthington dies aged 72 after long illness, Michael Vaughan arrives at court for Yorkshire cricket racism hearing, Toronto Raptors post cringe-worthy about why girls run the world, Liverpool v Man United: Jurgen Klopp press conference ahead of match, Souness and Robson joke they'd kick players wearing pink boots, Graeme Souness questions Van Dijk's leadership capabilities, Man City manager Pep Guardiola speaks ahead of match against Newcastle, Steve Cooper talks about Premier League match against Everton, Raiders star Jordan Rapan is grilled over brutal hit in match, Erik ten Hag ready for 'next step' with Man Utd by beating top four rival Liverpool at Anfield, NBA Star Ja Morant holds gun up to his head while at a strip club, Liverpool's April visit ticket allocation slashed by 20%, Daily Mail reporter tests out Formula One training techniques. He boasted of sleeping with a different woman every night, bedding a teenager followed by her mother and dating a string of beauties. His loss will be sadly mourned, and yet there will also be joy in reliving some of the games most outrageous anecdotes. More #bbcfootball BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 23, 2021. All reactions: 43. 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. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.". He was my boyhood hero when he was at Leicester City. Eight: it is an absolute insult. A flick of the ball with that magic wand of a left foot and the defender was left scrambling in his wake. 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. Newcastle United striker Malcolm Macdonald ended up losing 1,200 to Frank. It was, he admitted, a mistake. And when he was asked to name his previous clubs he answered: "The Playboy, Tramps and Sandpiper.". 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. On the marriage front, Worthington was more frugal than one might have expected from such a fast liver. Worthington graced Birmingham's colours from 1979 to 1982, with the Blues quick to add their condolences. 1,504 posts. He said: 'Most of my goals weren't even caught on camera. Worthington's wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in Huddersfield. This was classic Worthington, the mavericks maverick who has died at the age of 72 following a long illness. When we walked back the next day, there was the car balancing on the edge of a big drop.. Alf Ramsey, Englands understated manager, turned white. [24], While a Leicester City player, Worthington won eight caps for England in 1974. [30], In May 2016, his daughter said that Worthington had Alzheimer's disease for several years. But I soon realised this didnt matter a damn.. There are things we can do and we can put in place.'. He was my boyhood hero when he was at LCFC. In order to avoid their attacks, he learned how to beat them with skill. 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. Off the field, he dressed like a peacock; on it, he played to the gallery. 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. Worthington is perhaps best known for his most-famous goal, scored for Bolton againstIpswich at the old Burnden Park in 1979. 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. . Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 'The fact is the FA and PFA [Professional Footballers' Association] have not done anywhere near enough. Unfortunately, there was a problem at the medical: his blood pressure was too high. 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.. 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. Author. Rest in peace, Elvis. Stan Collymore, A true showman and great footballer but even better bloke.John Fashanu, Absolute luxury. 'They have not been interested,'he added. 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'. It was the decade when, as the author Rob Steen put it, flair wore flares. "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life," she said. Many England fans wondered why Frank, whose majestic skills were compared to Best, didnt play more for his country. 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 have regular health checks, including the brain. Frank Worthington's wife Carol Dwyer is in deep shock since the death of the former footballer on March 22, 2021. 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'. Carol Dwyer is the wife of former popular footballer Frank Worthington, who recently died at the age of 72. Boss at Self-Employed. Welcome Frank. Bang! 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. The increased risk of dementia for footballers after years of heading the ball has only recently become known. 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. Because were he around now, Frank would have earned himself 100 England caps not the eight he got. 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. 'If I had known what I know now, I would have certainly limited the amount of heading I did. Sign Up. He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much., GOT a story? Best wants everyone to love him. Carol married #FrankWorthington." Martin Robinson, Chief Reporter For Mailonline, Coronavirus cases at an Iowa meat plant more than double on the same day it reopened as Nebraska governor reveals more than 1,000 workers are infected, Dramatic video shows hero policeman chasing gun-wielding thug, 21, and performing risky arrest as judge jails drug-dealer for 11 years, How Jarryd Hayne rose from a broken commission home to become Australia's most famous footballer, whose life swung between devout Christian and loose party boy - before it all ended with his rape conviction, Ken Bruce finishes his 30-year tenure as host of BBC Radio 2, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' The sort of player who makes sport worthwhile. '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. I'm heartbroken at the loss of a friend, and to such a devastating disease, but I cherish the times I had with him. Frank Worthington died on Monday at the age of 72 after battling dementia. 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 spoke about the goal in his last ever interview in 2016. 3,131 following. Here, Peter Reid offers his memories of a dear friend. Worthington's wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in Huddersfield on Monday. Comment. Frank said: Yeah, I was a bit of a rascal. See Photos. Worthington's wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in Huddersfield. 'She spotted me in the players' lounge and came over. Tributes have poured in for footballing icon Frank Worthington, who has died aged 72 after a long battle with dementia. Frank thought it was because his unconventional approach upset the national sides bosses. By He had a terrific football brain, sharp as a knife. 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. We belonged to an exclusive little club, Frank and I - and I dont mean Stringfellows. They have ignored, shunned, turned their backs on a massive issue. Lives in Eugene, Oregon. And he wouldnt go out with us that evening. Worthington's wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in . 2,469 followers. The question always lingered, though, how much of a star Frank would have been if hed reserved those skills for the football pitch. 10:12 EST 23 Mar 2021. What have I f---ing done?. 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. 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. I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. Worthingtons Football League career lasted from 1966 to 1987, featuring 266 goals from his 882 appearances. 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. 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. Shortly after leaving the club in 1972 he boasted: I was pulling girls every night. His wife CarolWorthington said:'Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life. As we got older, we stayed in touch, though sadly dementia took a hold on him. Happily, I didn't have my moustache at the time.'. Carol Worthington, Frank Worthington's wife In a long career that began in 1966 he played in 22 consecutive Football League seasons. By Today his former clubs paid their respects to one of football's . I read that when he was a kid growing up in Halifax he played on the street with his two older brothers who used to kick lumps out of him. The former Blackburn Rovers, Celtic and Norwich City striker pulled no punches when he met politicians, who are gathering evidence on the links between sport and brain injury. A naturally gifted attacker, Frank was born to play the beautiful game. Worthington won eight England caps and represented over 20 clubs in a long playing career that began with Huddersfield in 1966. . 2 comments. He could charm anyone. Ex-England forward Jeff Astle died in January 2002 aged 59 and an inquest found his death was from repeatedly heading balls. "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private. I just wanted every girl to go to bed with me. 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. But I soon realised this didnt matter a damn.. Everyone recognizes Carol as the wife of Frank Worthington, which is pretty obvious to happen when you're married to someone very popular. '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.'. 12 He was a scorer of great goals. 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. View the profiles of people named Carol Dwyer. 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. 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 . With Liverpool out of the picture, Frank signed for Leicester City instead, scoring 72 goals in 210 games for the Midlands side. Alf Ramsey and then Don Revie as England managers had a right distrust of those who thought outside their strict guidelines. I remember I was with him in one get together Revie organised. Carol Dwyer. 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. She was young and attractive, so what was a man supposed to do?. 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. Worthingtonwore Birmingham's colours from 1979 to 1982. 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. Carol Dwyer. Carol Dwyer. Huddersfield Town's Second Division champions 196970", "Where Are They Now? 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. 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). 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. All of our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time,' Birmingham posted on twitter. When he signed for Southampton in 1983, Lawrie McMenemy told him I dont care how you train, just so long as you perform for me on a Saturday.. [23] He signed for Galway United in February 1989. Home; Carpet Cleaning; Upholstery Cleaning; [25] Joe Mercer was England's manager for six of Worthington's international appearances. Bobby Charlton was diagnosed with the disease last year while former Leeds United defender Gordon McQueen announced he had it last week. [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. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAILexclusive@the-sun.co.uk, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Frank Worthington was a former English footballer and striker. Related To Carol Dwyer, Tom Dwyer. 'Our thoughts are with his family and friends.'. That first touch killed the ball stone dead. He opened a clothes boutique in Bolton called 'Dalglish' and even got Kenny to come over and open it. 'I had quite a lot of hair and was a lot younger then. He described him as one of the best centre-forwards of all time. Frank loved life, he loved Elvis, but more than anything, he loved his football. 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. In his autobiography One Hump or Two?, which certainly wasnt a reference to camels, he wrote extensively about his sexual exploits. I just wanted every girl to go to bed with me.. [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. 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. In fact, Carol was also popular since she was a child because of her father, who was also a soccer player. Slipping out the hotel through a side door with a few other England players they visited a casino. He confessed to smoking cannabis and snorting cocaine through a bank note. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. He only stopped wearing the medallions when his wife Carol told him 'it was beginning to look a bit naff', he earlier said. RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAILexclusive@the-sun.co.uk, NFL player attacked by gunmen who ran off with pricey jewelry, Astrid Wett to make embarrassing name change if she loses to AJ Bunker, Veronika Rajek stuns in sports bra as Tom Brady admirer hits the town, Stephen A begs fans to 'relax' as they slam 'disrespectful' exchange with Qerim, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. 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. Great pals with the late George Best he lived with Lindy, the sister of the Manchester United stars first wife Angie. Profoundly saddened to hear Frank Worthington has died. "He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much. 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. Sometimes Id wonder if they were with me because I was Frank Worthington, the footballer, or if they genuinely fancied me as a bloke. ", Worthington's first club Huddersfield tweeted: "Everyone at#htafcis devastated to hear of the passing of Town legendFrankWorthington. 'He wasn't impressed.'. Take the occasion in 1972 when Worthington nearly signed for Liverpool for what would then have been a club-record fee of 150,000. ', Football commentatorGary Taphouse added: 'RIP Frank Worthington. It was so sad to see. View the profiles of people named Carol Worthington. "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his. He was still in good spirits, but mentally he was disappearing before your eyes. 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?". The football legend spoke extensively about his sexual exploits in his autobiography One Hump or Two? Facebook gives people the. Franks cause of death has not been announced. 'Gordon Taylor has blood on his hands. The Frank Worthington Story - Ian Worthington with Steve Wells and Nick Cooper (ACL & Polar Publishing, 21 November 1994) Contains a flicker-vision card box. 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. Peter Reid For The Daily Mail Living close to the edge was what Frank was used to. and 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. The only silverware he picked up during that long career was the old Division Two title with Huddersfield Town. That wild behaviour went too far when Frank was playing for Birmingham City between 1979 and 1982. Frank Worthington with model Carol Dwyer. After the game, guess who I got a strong connection with? 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Gordon Taylor has been fantastic and helped in so many ways but I desperately need help for the future, Carol Worthington added. 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. "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life . Why should I? Why should I? 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. . He said: Next morning, after the girl had got up early for work, her muzzer woke me up with a cup of tea. He also upset Englands caretaker manager Joe Mercer by sneaking a girl up to his hotel room after a game. carol dwyer frank worthington Call us today! and But he had to sell that precious memory in 2005 to fund his retirement. 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 cause of his death is revealed to be Alzheimer from which he was struggling for years. '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.