Football legend, Trevor Francis is dead

Former England and Birmingham forward, Trevor Francis, who passed away at the age of 69. Francis made a significant impact on the sport and earned legendary status throughout his career.

Notably, he became the first British player to command a staggering transfer fee of £1 million when he made the historic move from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest in 1979. That same year, Francis etched his name in football history by scoring the decisive goal for Nottingham Forest in the 1979 European Cup final, securing victory for his team.

A statement released on behalf of his family delivered the sad news, revealing that Francis suffered a heart attack at his residence in Spain. The sudden loss has come as a tremendous shock to everyone who knew him, as he was not only a legendary footballer but also known for his amiable personality.

After making his mark at the City Ground, Francis went on to achieve further success with Sampdoria, Rangers, and Sheffield Wednesday, lifting silverware along the way.

On the international stage, Francis represented England 52 times between 1977 and 1986, netting 12 goals, including two during the 1982 World Cup.

Following his illustrious playing career, Francis transitioned into management, taking on a player-manager role at Queens Park Rangers. He later assumed a similar position at Sheffield Wednesday, where he led the team to both the League Cup and FA Cup final in the 1992-93 season.

Even after retiring from active football, Francis continued to contribute to the sport, coaching his beloved boyhood club as well as Crystal Palace.

Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Francis enjoyed a successful career as a pundit and broadcaster, enriching the footballing world with his insightful analyses and expertise.