Former Birmingham and England ahead Trevor Francis. File.
| Photograph Credit score: AP
Former England ahead Trevor Francis, Britain’s first a million pound ($1.28 million) participant, has died on the age of 69 after struggling a coronary heart assault, his household mentioned on Monday.
Francis began his profession at Birmingham Metropolis in 1970 earlier than spells at a number of golf equipment, notably Nottingham Forest, Manchester Metropolis and Sheffield Wednesday.
Francis hit the headlines when he was transferred from Birmingham to Forest in 1979 for a million kilos, scoring the winner in that 12 months’s European Cup closing towards Malmo.
“Trevor Francis has died on the age of 69. He had a coronary heart assault at his condominium in Spain this morning,” an announcement from his household launched to British media mentioned.
“On behalf of the household, this has come as an enormous shock to everyone. We’re all very upset. He was a legendary footballer however he was additionally a particularly good individual.”
Francis gained 52 caps and scored 12 targets for England from 1977–1986.
“We’re saddened to listen to concerning the passing of Trevor Francis…,” the Soccer Affiliation mentioned. “We might wish to move on commiserations to all of Trevor’s household and associates.”
Francis gained the European Cup in 1979 and 1980 and the European Tremendous Cup in 1979 with Forest beneath Brian Clough. He additionally gained the Coppa Italia with Sampdoria in 1984–85.
“Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to study the passing of two-time European Cup winner, Trevor Francis,” the Premier League membership mentioned.
“A real Forest legend who won’t ever be forgotten.”
Birmingham Metropolis mentioned supporters will be capable of pay tributes to Francis on the membership’s St Andrew’s stadium.
“Trevor will endlessly be revered as a large of the membership, the participant everybody wished to see. He represented blues on 330 events, scoring 133 targets,” Birmingham mentioned in an announcement.
“Birmingham Metropolis sends its ideas and deepest sympathies to Trevor’s household and associates.”
Manchester Metropolis additionally provided condolences to Francis’ household.
“Manchester Metropolis are deeply saddened on the passing of our former participant Trevor Francis,” Metropolis tweeted. “Our ideas are with Trevor’s family and friends at this tough time.”
Francis additionally managed Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham and Crystal Palace.