FORMER Weymouth and England striker Frank Worthington has died at the age of 72.

Worthington, who played four times for the Terras, scoring once, was considered one of the game's great mavericks.

He passed away peacefully in hospital yesterday evening.

Worthington was best known for his spells at Leicester City, Huddersfield and Bolton where he amassed 210, 171 and 84 appearances respectively.

His success at club level earned him a call-up for England honours, where he featured eight times for the Three Lions, netting twice.

Beginning with Huddersfield in 1966, his playing career spanned 26 years including a brief spell with Weymouth in 1989.

His final club as a player was Halifax Town in 1992 and he had previously dipped his toes into management with Tranmere for two seasons from 1985.

Worthington’s wife paid tribute to the much-loved football showman.

“Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life,” Carol Worthington said.

“He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much.”

Unashamedly non-establishment, Worthington hit the headlines as much for his off-field exploits as his talents on it.

He was once described by former Huddersfield and Bolton manager Ian Greaves as “the working man’s George Best”.

Worthington played in 22 consecutive Football League seasons from 1966, scoring 266 goals in 882 appearances in all competitions.

Former Weymouth chairman Ian Ridley tweeted his memories of Worthington.

Meanwhile, Weymouth also paid tribute to the former Birmingham City, Leeds, Sunderland and Southampton forward.

Huddersfield shared footage of a fine Worthington volley as Town paid their respects.