Former England footballer Trevor Francis, Britain’s first £1m participant, dies

Former England star Trevor Francis – Britain’s first £1m soccer participant – has died aged 69.

The striker, who rose by the youth ranks at Birmingham City, signed for Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest in 1979 for a then document £1,150,000.

He was instrumental in serving to Brian Clough’s aspect to win the European Cup in Munich later that yr, scoring the profitable purpose in opposition to Swedish aspect Malmo.

Close good friend and former TV presenter Gary Newbon mentioned in a press release: “Trevor Francis has died at the age of 69.

“He had a coronary heart assault at his condominium in Spain this morning.

“On behalf of the family, this has come as a huge shock to everybody. We are all very upset.

“He was a legendary footballer, however he was additionally a particularly good particular person.”

Francis, who was born in Plymouth, Devon, in 1954 and signed for Birmingham City as a schoolboy.

A skilful and athletic striker, he impressed within the youth ranks at Birmingham, earlier than making his debut with the primary group, aged 16.