Trevor Francis death updates — Nottingham Forest legend and Britain’s first million-pound football signing dies aged 69

When did Trevor Francis play for Birmingham City?

Trevor started off playing football at school in Plymouth before joining Birmingham City.

He made his debut in 1970 when he was only 16 years old.

During his time with the club, he scored 119 goals in just 280 appearances.

Trevor became the first British footballer to request a £1million transfer fee when he joined Forest in 1979.

Birmingham City honours Trevor Francis

Birmingham City FC have taken to Twitter paying tribute to club legend Trevor Francis.

In a heartfelt post, the team wrote: “Blues is deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of Club legend Trevor Francis, at the age of 69 on Monday 24 July 2023.

“Trevor will forever be revered as a giant of the Club, the player everyone wanted to see.

“He represented Blues on 330 occasions, scoring 133 goals. Blues sends its thoughts and deepest sympathies to Trevor’s family and friends.”

Who was Trevor Francis?

Trevor Francis was born on April 19, 1954 in Plymouth, where he showed early promise as a footballer at school.

He made his debut as a forward in 1970 for Birmingham City, where he made 280 appearances for the club.

In that time, he score an impressive 119 goals, which meant when he departed the club for Nottingham Forest, he was a very valuable asset.

As a result, his transfer broke records and became the first £1million transfer in England, though his new manager, Brian Clough, claimed it was just shy of this amount by a penny to stop the pressure going to his new signing’s head.

Who was Trevor’s wife Helen Francis?

In 2017, Francis was left heartbroken when his beloved wife Helen died.

The couple had been together for 45 years prior to her passing.

In his autobiography, One In A Million, Francis opened up on how life without Helen had been “so difficult”.

Francis said: “It’s so hard because of the deep love I had for Helen and also because I am useless in the house. She did everything for me. I don’t mind admitting that.

“All of a sudden I am living by myself and I suppose I never contemplated this would ever happen. It is a tougher challenge than anything I ever faced in football.”

How did Trevor Francis die?

Trevor Francis died at his apartment near Marbella in Spain today (July 24, 2023) of a suspected heart attack.

Francis previously suffered a heart attack 11 years ago, and was admitted to hospital in Bordesley Green.

He had a stent fitted but recovered well, with Birmingham FC’s official Twitter page sharing this update with fans: “Trevor Francis’ family have contacted the club to express their thanks at the overwhelming messages of support from Blues fans.”

Trevor Francis looked back on iconic European Cup final victory

Trevor Francis scored the winning goal in Nottingham Forest’s legendary European Cup final victory against Malmo.

Speaking on the goal, he said: “It was a magical moment. I used to write a column for the Roy of the Rovers comic and this was my own Roy of the Rovers moment.

“A European debut in a cup final and scoring the winning goal. Nobody had ever done that, had they?”

Football stars honour England legend

A host of football stars have taken to social media to remember England and Nottingham Forest icon Trevor Francis.

England striker Gary Lineker wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear that Trevor Francis has died.

“A wonderful footballer and lovely man. Was a pleasure to work alongside him both on the pitch and on the telly. RIP Trevor.”

While an emotional Chris Kamara posted: “Oh no, just heard Trevor Francis has passed away.

“What a player he was & what a gentleman. Got to know him well when Trevor was doing his Co Commentary’s for Sky a job he loved. RIP Trevor the first Million pound player who always looked a million dollars.”

Tributes continue to pour in for European Cup icon

Gary Newbon led tributes to Trevor Francis following his tragic passing.

He told The Sun: “This is obviously a terrible shock for Trevor and his family and friends.

“He was revered throughout football and has his place assured in the history of the game.

“But he was also an incredibly kind and popular man, who will be greatly missed by so, so many people.”

Gary told how Francis had a stent fitted following a heart attack 12 years ago but appeared to be in good health.

He added: “Since then he had stayed in incredible shape. He power-walked daily and barely drank. That’s why this comes as such a shock.”

Comment: Trevor Francis went from teen sensation to UK’s first £1m player and scored iconic goal for Forest in European final

The following is an expert from a comment piece by Dave Kidd

He was Britain’s first £1million footballer, he scored the winner in a European Cup Final and his name is mentioned in the closing music of Only Fools And Horses. 

From teenage sensation at Birmingham City to a League Cup winner as a veteran at Sheffield, Trevor Francis – who has died aged 69 – was one of English football’s shining lights. 

But while the striker scored almost 300 goals in a career which spanned nearly a quarter of a century, he will always be primarily remembered for the fee Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest paid to take him across the Midlands from St Andrews in February 1979. 

When Trevor Francis ‘turned down’ the chance to sign Eric Cantona

Following his career as a player, Trevor managed both QPR and Sheffield Wednesday – famously causing Eric Cantona to storm out after a trial for the Owls.

The story goes that Cantona had a trial with the Owls before signing for Leeds.

But Francis seemingly turned down the chance to sign the Manchester United legend after watching him play a game on an indoor pitch.

Francis has denied this story, claiming the Owls never had the budget to sign him.

Viv Anderson honours Trevor Francis

His former teammate Viv Anderson led tributes to the star alongside a black-and-white image of Francis.

He said: “Just heard the unbelievable news regarding Trevor Francis, he was such a wonderful person and fabulous teammate he will be sadly missed, my condolences go to his family and friends RIP.”

Fans pay tribute to footy legend

Football fans from across the globe have taken to social media to pay tribute.

One fan wrote: “RIP Trevor Francis. First £1million footballer & European Cup winner with Forest.”

While another heartbroken Nottingham Forest supporter added: “Rest in Peace. An amazing Nottingham Forest legend.”

Trevor spoke of ‘heartbreak’ after losing beloved wife

Francis was left heartbroken in 2017 when his beloved wife Helen died.

The couple, who had been together for 45 years, shared two children together.

In his autobiography, One In A Million, Francis told how life without Helen had been “so difficult”.

He also told how working as a pundit was helping to keep him sane after a horrific two years.

Francis added: “It’s so hard because of the deep love I had for Helen and also because I am useless in the house. She did everything for me. I don’t mind admitting that.

“All of a sudden I am living by myself and I suppose I never contemplated this would ever happen. It is a tougher challenge than anything I ever faced in football.”

Trevor Francis’ iconic footballing career

In 1970, the forward made his debut aged just 16 and went on to net an impressive 119 goals in 280 appearances.

Francis became the first British footballer to command a £1million transfer fee when he moved from Birmingham to Forest in 1979.

Manager Clough actually claimed the price tag was £999,999 to make sure the pressure didn’t go to Francis’ head.

The player made a lasting impression with the club thanks to his world-famous European Cup-winning goal in 1979.

Francis nodded home a header against Malmo in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico to write Forest into European folklore forever.

Speaking about the goal previously, he said: “It was a magical moment. I used to write a column for the Roy of the Rovers comic and this was my own Roy of the Rovers moment.

“A European debut in a cup final and scoring the winning goal. Nobody had ever done that, had they?”

More on football legend’s passing

Francis died at his apartment near Marbella in Spain today with efforts now being made to repatriate his body.

It is believed the former footballer suffered a heart attack.

Veteran ITV sports presenter and close pal Gary Newbon said: “This is obviously a terrible shock for Trevor and his family and friends.

“He was revered throughout football and has his place assured in the history of the game.

“But he was also an incredibly kind and popular man, who will be greatly missed by so, so many people.”

Trevor Francis’ career

• Birmingham: 1971-79
• Nottingham Forest: 1979-81
• Man City: 1981-82
• Sampdoria: 1982-86
• Atalanta: 1986-87
• Rangers: 2987-88
• Wollongong City: 1988
• QPR: 1988-90
• Sheffield Wednesday: 1990-94
• England: 1977-86

Trevor Francis looked back on iconic European Cup final victory

Trevor Francis scored the winning goal in Nottingham Forest’s legendary European Cup final victory against Malmo.

Speaking on the goal, he said: “It was a magical moment. I used to write a column for the Roy of the Rovers comic and this was my own Roy of the Rovers moment.

“A European debut in a cup final and scoring the winning goal. Nobody had ever done that, had they?”

How old was Trevor Francis?

Trevor Francis was 69 when he passed away.

The football legend made his debut for Birmingham City at just 16.

He would go on to become the UK’s first-ever £1million player when he moved to Nottingham Forest in 1979.

Who did Trevor Francis play for?

Trevor Francis had a storied and illustrious footballing career.

During his time as a player, Francis played in England, Scotland, America and several other countries.

Francis’ teams include:

• Birmingham City
• Detroit Express
• Nottingham Forest
• Manchester City
• Sampdoria
• Atalanta
• Rangers