Trevor Francis Bio: Wife, Age, Cause Of Death, Parents, Children, Height, Clubs, Stats, Transfer Fee

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Biography

Trevor John Francis, born on April 19, 1954, in Plymouth, Devon, was an iconic English footballer and manager, renowned as the first British player to command a £1 million transfer fee. This historic move came in 1979 when he transferred from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest.

Francis began his career at Birmingham City, debuting for the first team at just 16 years old. His remarkable talent was evident early on, as he quickly became one of England’s most promising young players, known for his goal-scoring prowess.

Under Brian Clough‘s guidance at Nottingham Forest, Francis made history not only with his transfer fee but also as a key figure in the club’s European triumph. His crowning moment came in the 1979 European Cup final, where he scored the decisive goal against Malmö FF, cementing his place in football history.

Francis represented England 52 times on the international stage between 1977 and 1986, scoring 12 goals, including two at the 1982 FIFA World Cup. After retiring as a player, he turned to management, leading clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham City, and Crystal Palace. His tenure at Sheffield Wednesday was particularly noteworthy, as he guided the team to a third-place finish in the Premier League and appearances in major cup finals.

Beyond his playing and managerial career, Francis made a significant impact as a football pundit, admired for his professionalism and thoughtful analysis. Revered both on and off the field for his gentlemanly demeanor, he left an indelible mark on the sport.

Trevor Francis passed away on July 24, 2023, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazing player, a European Cup hero, and a respected figure in football.

Trevor Francis
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Trevor John Francis
Stage Name:	Trevor Francis
Born:	19 April 1954 (age 69 years old)
Place of Birth:	Plymouth, United Kingdom
Died:	24 July 2023 (age 69 years), Marbella, Spain
Nationality:	English
Education:	Pennycross Primary School, Plymouth’s Public Secondary School for Boys
Height:	1.78 m
Parents:	Roy Francis, Phyllis Francis
Siblings:	Ian Francis, Carolyn Francis
Spouse:	Helen Francis (m. 1974–2017)
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Matthew Francis, James Francis
Occupation:	Footballer
Net Worth:	$5 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Trevor Francis was born on April 19, 1954, in Plymouth, Devon, England. Growing up, his family influenced his interest in football; his father, Roy Francis, played semi-professionally, and his mother, Phyllis Francis, was involved in sewing and tailoring.

This background in a working-class family in Plymouth shaped his early years. Trevor was English by nationality, and while specific details about his religious beliefs are not widely recorded, he was likely raised in a Christian environment, which was common for the time and place. He had two younger siblings: a brother, Ian Francis, and a sister, Carolyn Francis.

For education, Francis went to Pennycross Primary School and then Plymouth’s Public Secondary School for Boys, where his football talent was evident. At 15, he left school to join Birmingham City, choosing a professional football career over further academic studies.

Career

Trevor Francis launched his professional football career at Birmingham City, debuting at just 16 years old in 1970. Over the next decade, his exceptional goal-scoring ability—netting 119 goals in 280 league appearances—established him as one of England’s brightest football talents.

His historic £1 million transfer to Nottingham Forest in 1979 made him the first British footballer to command such a fee, a milestone that reshaped the football transfer market. At Forest, Francis was instrumental in their back-to-back European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980, most famously scoring the decisive goal in the 1979 final against Malmö FF.

After his time at Nottingham Forest, Francis played for several clubs, including Manchester City, Rangers, and two Italian sides, Sampdoria and Atalanta, where he adapted impressively to the demands of Serie A. He later returned to England, playing for Queens Park Rangers (QPR). On the international stage, Francis earned 52 caps for England, scoring 12 goals, including memorable performances at the 1982 FIFA World Cup. However, injuries and fierce competition limited his contributions during his international career.

Transitioning into management, Francis found notable success with Sheffield Wednesday. He guided the team to a third-place finish in the Premier League in 1991–92 and led them to the FA Cup and League Cup finals in 1993. Although they narrowly missed out on trophies, his achievements with Wednesday remain highly regarded.

Francis also managed Birmingham City twice, leading them to Premier League promotion in the 2001–02 season after a dramatic play-off victory at Wembley. His managerial tenure at Crystal Palace and QPR was less fruitful but added to his extensive footballing experience.

Beyond his playing and managerial achievements, Francis left a lasting legacy by transforming football’s transfer market dynamics and setting new professional benchmarks. His deep understanding of the game earned him widespread respect as a pundit in his later years, solidifying his place as one of football’s most influential figures.

Personal Life

Trevor Francis married Helen Francis (nee Allcard) in 1974, and they remained together until her passing in 2017. They met in Spain during his youth, and after returning to England, Trevor went to great lengths to reconnect with her, showcasing the depth of their early connection.

Together, they had two sons, Matthew Francis and James Francis. Standing at approximately 5 feet 10 inches, Francis‘ height was typical for a footballer of his time.

Net Worth

Trevor Francis, known for his remarkable football career and historic £1 million transfer, had an estimated net worth of around $5 million at the time of his passing in 2023.

This wealth was accumulated through his earnings as a professional footballer at various clubs, including Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest, and during his time in Italy with Sampdoria.

After retiring from playing, Francis‘ net worth grew through his income as a football manager at clubs like Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham City, and Crystal Palace, where he held managerial positions.

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