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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 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.
Club 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 & Hove Albion, Tranmere Rovers, Preston North End, Stockport County and Galaway 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 and Sweden as well as in English non-league football. He was described by former Huddersfield and Bolton manager, Ian Greaves as "the working man's George Best".
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; 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 Austrialian 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.
Late in 1988, Worthington had a brief spell with Chorley in the Football Conference, making his debut in a 0–0 draw with Weymouth at Vicktory Park on 5 November 1988. He signed for Galway United in February 1989, followed by spells at Weymouth and Radcliffe Borough.
International career
Worthington played twice for the England under-23 team in 1972. 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 Home Championship, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 victory at Wembley. He scored two goals, against Argentina and Bukgaria in friendlies. 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.
Worthington further represented England in the 1991 edition of the World cup of Masters, scoring in the opening round against Urugauy.