Death sparks top tributes to ‘maverick’

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

Frank Worthington tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in Huddersfield.

“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.”

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.

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.