Albion director Ray Bloom has hailed Frank Worthington as ‘undoubtedly one of the best players ever to play for Brighton.’
Worthington, who sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 72 after a long illness, spent the 1984/85 season with the Seagulls in Division Two, netting eight goals in 35 appearances.
He was signed by Chris Cattlin, having played with the former Albion boss at Huddersfield, and got off to the best possible start, netting on his debut in a 3-0 win at Carlisle United – a game that Bloom recalls vividly.
“It was my first game as a director and Frank’s first game for the Albion, so we had that connection,” he says. “At 35 he was, of course, past his best but you could see that he was still a very good player.
“Technically, he was one of best footballers ever to grace the game in this country, a flamboyant player who would have been a superstar in today’s game.
“It’s impossible to compare players of different eras, but if we’re looking at the ‘wow’ factor, then his signing would be on a par with that of Bobby Smith, who had come to the Albion as an England international and having won the double with Tottenham.
“Frank had that star quality, that status in the game, but if we’re to judge purely on ability, Frank is undoubtedly one of the best players ever to play for Brighton & Hove Albion.”
Despite his advancing years, Worthington helped the Seagulls to a respectable sixth place in the table and built up an immediate rapport with the Albion faithful.
“The crowds took to him very well,” Ray adds. “He was not with us for very long, so it’s not as if he had the Zamora effect, but he was very popular with our supporters.
“Let’s not forget that the club had recently played in Division One, likewise the FA Cup final, so our fans were used to see good players around the place – but when it was announced Frank had been signed by Chris Cattlin, it definitely created a stir.”
Once his 22-year professional career had come to an end, Worthington became an excellent after-dinner speaker and it was on one such occasion that Ray became reunited with ‘Elvis’ as he was affectionately known.
“I last saw him a few years ago on the circuit when he came to Brighton and I sat next to him at our table. It was lovely to catch up on old times and he spoke fondly of his time with our club.
“It was great to hear the stories of his long and colourful career and when you think of the treatment the centre-forwards of his era received from defenders, his ability always came out on top – just like it did with George Best.
“He was a special player and, as people who know him much better than I do will tell you, he was a special man too. The condolences of everyone at Brighton & Hove Football Club goes out to his family and friends.”