Lineker ‘profoundly saddened’ at death of ‘boyhood hero’ Frank Worthington
GARY Lineker has led the tributes to his “boyhood hero” Frank Worthington following the former Huddersfield, Leicester and England striker’s death at the age of 72.
The eight-cap forward died peacefully in hospital on Monday evening following a long illness, his family announced in a statement.
Worthington represented more than 20 clubs in a long playing career that began with the Terriers in 1966.
“Profoundly saddened to hear that Frank Worthington has died,” tweeted former Leicester, Tottenham and England striker Lineker.
“He was my boyhood hero when he was at Leicester City. A beautiful footballer, a maverick and a wonderful character who was so kind to this young apprentice when he joined the club. RIP Frank (Elvis).”
Worthington’s wife Carol paid tribute to the muchloved football showman.
“Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life,” Carol Worthington said.
“He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much.”
Unashamedly non-establishment, Worthington hit the headlines as much for his off-field exploits as his rarefied talents on it.
Once described by former Huddersfield and Bolton manager Ian Greaves as “the working man’s George Best”, Worthington played in 22 consecutive Football League seasons from 1966, scoring 266 goals in 882 appearances in all competitions.
In 14 of those campaigns he played in the top division, notching 150 goals in 466 matches, and won the Golden Boot award in 197879 as the leading scorer ahead of Kenny Dalglish and
Frank Stapleton.
Worthington’s former clubs were also quick to pay their respects on social media.
Huddersfield tweeted: “Everyone at #htafc is devastated to hear of the passing of Town legend Frank Worthington. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Leicester posted: “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.”
Birmingham posted: “The club is saddened to learn of the passing of Frank Worthington aged 72. All of our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
England also paid tribute, with a message on the national team’s Twitter account reading: “We’re deeply saddened to learn that Frank Worthington, who represented the Three Lions eight times in 1974, has passed away at the age of 72.
“All of our thoughts are with his family and friends.”