Frank Worthington: A footballing maverick
WAS THERE ever a greater example of the footballing maverick than Frank Worthington, whose death was announced on Tuesday morning?
In an era of rutted and sodden pitches, tough tackling defenders and heavier balls which symbolised the game in the late sixties and early seventies, Frank was a breath of fresh air, lighting up games with silky skills and deft touches whilst managers and coaches were looking for something a tad more regimented.
Frank turned professional in October 1966, making his league debut in Huddersfield Town’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace the following February.
He featured regularly the following term, developing into a centre-forward with a devilishly left foot, and in 1969-70 everpresent as Town won the Second Division, when he was top scorer with 18 goals.
Following relegation in 1972, there was an exodus of players, Frank among them.
But his expected move to Bill Shankly’s Liverpool never materialised when he famously failed a medical – twice. After
the first revealed high blood pressure, the result no doubt of his high living, Frank was told by the club doctor to take a holiday. Frank duly did, enjoying the excesses which life offered him, only to find that by the time of his second medical, his blood pressure was even higher! The deal was called off.
So it was that Frank joined First Division Leicester City, where he was revered and later voted by the fans as their favourite-ever player.
Frank won eight just full England caps, scoring twice, but continued to entertain the crowds in domestic football, scoring some wonderful goals, and finishing as leading goalscorer in the First Division with Bolton. After leaving Wanderers, Frank continued to enjoy playing with a plethora of clubs up and down the country and abroad. His next stop was Philadephia Fury in the North American Soccer League, whilst he played under former Halifax Town half-back Jim Smith at Birmingham City, helping them to promotion to the top flight in 1980 a year after relegation.
He then wowed the crowds at Leeds United and later served Sunderland, Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion before sampling management with Tranmere Rovers, with George Mulhall as his assistant. The pair left in 1987 and Frank continued on his merry way with Preston North End, Stockport County and a succession of nonleague clubs.