RIP, FRANK: Worthington, former Tampa Bay, Philadelphia player who starred in England, dies

Former England international forward Frank Worthington, who enjoyed a long career, playing in England for two teams in the original North American Soccer League, has passed away.

He was 72.

Worthington died in a Huddersfield hospital after a long illness.

He played eight times for his national side, performing for more than 20 clubs in a 26-year playing career. He finished with 260 goals in 828 matches. He tallied 41 goals in 171 contests for Huddersfield Town from 1966-72, 72 goals in 210 games for Leicester City from 1972-77 and 35 in 84 appearances for the Bolton Wanderers from 1977-79.

Worthington retired while a player coach for Halifax Town during the 1991-92 season.

Known for his flair and showmanship, Worthington had two tenures in the NASL, scoring 10 goals for the Philadelphia Fury in 1979 while on loan from the Bolton Wanderers and finding the net 11 times in 26 appearances while on loan from Birmingham City in 1981.

His wife Carol paid tribute to Worthington.

“Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life,” she said. “He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much.”