This article is about the England international footballer. For the Canadian general, see F. F. Worthington. For the Canadian politician, see Frank Worthington Wilson.
Frank Stewart Worthington (23 November 1948 – 22 March 2021) was an English footballer who played as a forward. Worthington was born into a footballing family in Shelf, near Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire. 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.[5] His nephew Gary was also a professional footballer.[6]
Worthington's spell at Tranmere Rovers was as player-manager and although he had some success he did not return to management.[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.[16][19] Worthington also had the reputation for enjoying the high life.[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?. 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.[21]
Worthington played twice for the England under-23 team in 1972.[25] While a Leicester City player, he won eight caps for England in 1974. He made his debut on 15 May against Northern Ireland in the 1973–74 British Home Championship, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 victory at Wembley. He scored two goals, against Argentina and Bulgaria in friendlies.[26]Joe Mercer was England's manager for six of Worthington's international appearances. He described him as one of the best centre-forwards of all time.[27]
Worthington lived a playboy lifestyle.[29] In 1972 he undertook a medical at Liverpool ahead of a proposed transfer to the club. On hearing that Worthington had high blood pressure, manager Bill Shankly sent him to Majorca for a week for health reasons. 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.[29]
He was known for his charisma, flamboyance and his hair, clothes and fast cars. He once had four court appearances for driving in one year including one for doing a u-turn on the motorway in his red Ford Mustang.[27]
He was a big fan of Elvis Presley and while playing for Sunderland would often turn up at their training ground dressed as Presley.[30]
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.[31]
In May 2016, his daughter said that Worthington had Alzheimer's disease for several years.[32] Worthington denied her claims shortly afterwards.[33]
He died on 22 March 2021 following a lengthy illness at the age of 72 in Huddersfield.[34][35]