|
What can you say about Frank Worthington? A hugely talented player.
A truly terrible haircut. He came to Leeds in the twilight of his
career - in an exchange with Birmingham for Byron Stevenson - and his
goals in 1982 came within an inch of saving Leeds from relegation. It
wasn't to be, and he left after just 9 months at Elland
Road. Throughout his career, he'd always been a flamboyant and
free-scoring player with a reputation for enjoying the high life, and
it was probably that reputation that meant that he only made 8
appearances for England when his on-field form justified more. He
continued to play league football past his 40th birthday, and had a
spell out in South Africa and back home in non-league football beyond
that.
Walter Algotsson says: Hi! Please, give our regards to the great
man - Frank Worthington. We are a Swedish football team - The
Bonecrackers - a club of our own and we played vs each other Tuesday
and Thursday mornings for 30 years. We do remember Frank since he
played for the Swedish team Mjllby AIF in the highest division in
Sweden - Allsvenskan 1980. Frank don't remember us but we do remember
him. One of the players in MAIF from Frank's days in 80's is today a
member of our club. His name is Tommy Nordgren. Perhaps Frank will
remember the Hanhus Night club? "That's the best club I've ever
played," Frank told the press when he left us and Sweden in 1980. We
would be happy to hear from Frank! Our dream is >: To see Frank as
guest player in our team.
Chris Sedwell says: scored the best goal ever, for Bolton against
Ipswich. Back to goal, edge of 18yd box, controlled on his knee,
flicked it over his head and volleyed past keeper - superb! His pre
match warm up routine was worth the entrance fee. A pleasure to have
watched him at Burnden Park. Who is there like him nowadays?.
Gillian Newbury says: I just wondered if Frank Worthington ever
reads this page? I met Frank a very long time ago in Bolton and he
used to drink in a nightclub in Bolton called Scamps where I
worked. If you do read this Frank they where the good old days yeah
lol thanks. He was a real nice guy and always full of laughter.
Ali Short says: Met Frank a few times at Preston. Two moments are
key to Frank and Preston, one the goal he scored against Wolves when
he was already back celebrating on the half-way line before the ref
gave it for a sublime chip from 18 yards over a crowd of players
better than Best's against Spurs by miles. The other was the night we
got promotion and me and a mate were pissed but happy in a restaurant
and then in came Frank a blonde on each arm and sat with us, well we
asked him if he wanted to avoid waiting for a table, what a night,
what a hangover.
Bob Gladstone says: Oh Franky Franky without doubt the most
talented footballer I ever saw (even Bestie). I admired his silky
skills and enjoyed it first hand at the Dell towards the end of his
career. I went to his testimonial in Birmingham. What a player - it's
a pity England's hierarchy never recognised his undoubted world beating
talents. Thanks for the memory Frank.
Pat (Sweden) says: I've never met Frank senior or even seen a game
with him not even a single gaol scored by him...BUT I know his son
Frank "junior" Worthington...we play football together in a div 3 club
in Sweden, and I've just heard great things about Frank "senior"
Worthington!! That's all i have wanted to say!!
dolores says: Frank always wanted to play for Chelsea.
Dessie McGennity says: When I worked at Leicester University I
watched him play for Leicester City in the 1970's. He was the most
gifted centre forward I ever witnessed. I can't understand why he only
won eight England caps. I asked him once when he visited the students
union if he really enjoyed playing for Leicester and he replied. "I
would rather lose a match 5-4 and give all the supporters
entertainment than win 1-0 and bore everyone to death". That was Frank
the entertaining footballer. What would he be worth in todays market
the mind boggles.
Brandon Platt says: I met Frank Worthington when he arrived in
South Africa to play for a club in Cape Town called Cape Town
Spurs. Although many years older than his team mates,he still showed a
few deft touches.We became friends and I had some really good times
with him. He was a real party animal.I often wondered what happened to
him as I am a regular visitor to the UK and would love to catch up
with him.I last spoke to him shortly after his South African stint
ended.I think he was running a pub with Frank McClintock and doing
celebrityt appearances.I also saw him on the celebrity weakest link
before the last World Cup.He was voted off in about the 4th round!
Iain Craig says: I was at a charity dinner last night and had the
great pleasure of sitting beside Frank and the famous ref Pat
Partridge wot can i say but two absloute diamonds one of the most
enjoyable nights of my life.
Ron Ranson says: I thought I saw Frank on the M62 last March 15th,
heading for Manchester like a bat out of hell in a newish pale green
Rover 75. I guess he was on his way to a good do, or on his way back
from one.
eric clay says: I was delirious in 72 when Frank was about to sign
for my beloved Liverpool. When the deal failed it was so
disappointing. my fave player in my fave team-man,what were the
possibilities? still think about what might have been 30 yrs later.he
was the greatest.
Jim Munnis says: I saw and met Frank while he played for the
Philadelphia Atoms in the NASL. I remember meeting him, usually at
cocktail parties after the game. His nickname was "Elvis". Great
talent. He once commented to me about Manayunk, on the outskirts of
Philadelphia..."the scenery is so picturesque." He said that with a
straight face.
Frances Clarke says: My Dad said that Frank Worthington was the
best looking player in the first division and played like a dream. I
agree about the looks but know nothing about football. So how is Frank
these days? What is he doing? I see he played for Bolton; my partner
is a Bolton fan born and bred: we live in Southampton and F.W. played
for Saints for a while. Good old Frank, keep it up Frank, be good and
best wishes for my dad's sake.
Paul says: I saw him a a pub in Birmingham last Saturday. We were
discussing his career. Did he ever work n Portugal as a coach?
Michael Osbourne says: Never got the chance to see Frank play in
the flesh, he never played for the Boro but I am fortunate enough to
own a video entitled "Match of the day, The entertainers" Frank
appears on that video. On that video it showed him scoring two over
head kicks, a character of which the likes will never be seen again,
such is the nature of the game. What a player!!
Hans Baelemans says: I follow Leeds since the early 80's but never
saw Frank Worthington. In those days there was no coverage of English
Football in Holland.The only things i saw from him were pics in Shoot
Magazine and newspaper clippings. Is there anybody out there who has
video's of Frank as a player? I know his period at Leeds was short so
videos of Frank playing for other clubs are very welcome as well. I'm
prepared to pay a good price.
Ben Watkinson says: I watched frank from the manny rd end at
burnden park as a young 6 year old boy. i am now 31 and he still is my
hero. The best player ever to wear a Bolton shirt . All the best frank
...
Steve Papworth says: Hi Im Steve and live and work in London at the
Society of Antiquaries. I did see Frank play once for Leicester City
against Southampton in 1972 and they won 1-0 I think Dennis Roafe was
the scorer on that occation. It was agreat game and Frank was well
marked that day, I think by Terry Payne. Anyway Frank was always in
the right place at the right time well the ball was passed to him, he
was a great holder of the ball and play maker for other players to
score goals.I remember this game as it was my very first division one
game, as it was then. Frank was a great player all of his playing
days. He gave all fans from all clubs that he played for and against
entertainment. I saw him once close in a cinama in Manchester, he was
playing for Bolton then that was in 1980. I was living there at the
time. I did say hello to him and he said hello back to me. Not to sure
where he is these days but he still should be involved in the game
somewhere. A great player.
Alan Freedman says: Without doubt one of the great goals of all
time is Frank's goal for Bolton against Ipswich,as described by Chris
Sedwell.
enid ross says: have been doing some family research and he is my
cousin wondered if he could give me any family information thanks.
Ken Riley says: I grew up with Frank in Shelf, and I'm sure Frank
will agree with me that our mate Dave Lewis was the better player, he
taught Frank a thing or two. Just for the record, Lewey went on to
have a successful career in the Halifax Football League.
|
