In 1989 the legendary Frank Worthington played four times for Weymouth FC and scored one goal. It may have been a brief stay but it was a stay nonetheless.
According to ex Weymouth Chairman and lifelong supporter Nigel Biddlecombe:
‘Frank Worthington debuted on 4th September 1989 having been signed by Gerry Gow to add experience to a young side. He made four appearances, scoring one v Crawley Town on his home debut on the 13th September 1989. He left on the 23rd September 1988 as he found travelling an issue and went to Radcliffe Borough.
Remember him as a friendly and unassuming guy who was happy to chat.‘
Having played for a number of clubs his fame was created at three clubs in particular. Leicester City, Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City. He was also a bit of a journeyman.
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 and Sweden as well as in English non-League football.
Worthington’s spell at Tranmere Rovers was as player-manager and although he had some success he did not return to management.
While a Leicester City player, Worthington won eight caps for England in 1974, scoring two goals.
On 22nd March 2021 Frank Worthington died following a long illness.
Social media, as one would expect, trended Frank’s name with many people paying their respects and recounting their memories of Frank’s magic feet and personality.
And the longer version:
Former Terras chairman Ian Ridley also paid his respects:
As did Weymouth FC:
And finally a tribute from Sky Sports:
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