Frank Worthington

This article is about the England international footballer. For the Canadian general, see F. F. Worthington.
Frank Worthington
Personal information
Full nameFrank Stewart Worthington
Date of birth23 November 1948
Place of birthHalifax, England
Playing positionForward
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
1966–1972Huddersfield Town171(41)
1972–1977Leicester City210(72)
1977–1979Bolton Wanderers84(35)
1979→ Philadelphia Fury (loan)21(10)
1979–1982Birmingham City75(29)
1980→ Mjällby AIF (loan)12(4)
1981→ Tampa Bay Rowdies (loan)26(11)
1982Leeds United32(14)
1982–1983Sunderland19(2)
1983–1984Southampton34(4)
1984–1985Brighton & Hove Albion31(7)
1985–1987Tranmere Rovers59(21)
1987Preston North End23(3)
1987–1988Stockport County19(6)
1988Cape Town Spurs
1988Chorley3(0)
1988–1989Stalybridge Celtic
1989Galway United2(0)
1989Weymouth4(1)
1989–1990Radcliffe Borough
1990Guiseley2(0)
1990–1991Hinckley Town
1991Cemaes Bay1(0)
1991–1992Halifax Town (player-coach)0(0)
Total828(260)
National team
1974England8(2)
Teams managed
1985–1987Tranmere Rovers
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.
† Appearances (Goals).

Frank Stewart Worthington (born 23 November 1948) is a former English footballer. Frank was born into a footballing family in Shelf near Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire. Both of his parents had played the game and his two older brothers, Dave and Bob, became professional footballers, both began their careers with Halifax Town. His nephew Gary was also a professional footballer.

Playing career

Worthington began his career as a forward for Huddersfield Town in 1966 before playing for Leicester City, Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Leeds United, Sunderland, Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion, Tranmere Rovers, Preston North End, Stockport County and Galway United. Worthington played into his 40s making 757 English League appearances and scoring 234 goals. He also played in the United States (with NASL teams Philadelphia Fury and Tampa Bay Rowdies), South Africa, Sweden and in English non-League football.[1]

Worthington's spell at Tranmere Rovers was as player-manager and although he had some success he did not return to management.

He showed flair and skill in his play and was always noticeable; he did not wear shin guards and his socks often fell to his ankles. Worthington also had the reputation for enjoying the high life. 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.

In 1984, Worthington made three guest appearances for Manchester United against the Australia national team, Nottingham Forest and Juventus on their post-season tour of Australia. He then made a further guest appearance for the club in May 1985 against an Oxford United XI for Peter Foley's testimonial.

He signed for Galway United in February 1989.[2]

International career

Worthington won eight caps for England in 1974, scoring two goals, during his time at Leicester City.

Worthington further represented England in the 1991 edition of the World Cup of Masters, scoring in the opening round against Uruguay.

Personal life

Frank is married to the daughter of Noel Dwyer.

Honours

Huddersfield Town
Southampton
Bolton Wanderers

Notes

  1. ↑ "The Mavericks: Frank Worthington – ESPNFC". Soccernet.espn.go.com. 9 February 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
  2. ↑ "Monday, February 13, 1989 – Page 004". The Irish Times. 13 February 1989. Retrieved 5 August 2009.

References

  • Frank Worthington (1994). One Hump or Two?. Polar Print Group. ISBN 1-899538-00-3.

External links