WANDERERS legend Frank Worthington has died at the age of 72 following a long illness.

One of English football’s great mavericks, Worthington died peacefully in hospital on March 22, his family announced in a statement to the PA news agency.

Worthington won eight England caps and represented more 20 clubs in a long playing career that began with Huddersfield in 1966.

He captured hearts at Wanderers for what he brought to Ian Greaves' swaggering Bolton team of the late seventies. 

Worthington’s wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in Huddersfield.

“Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life,” said Carol Worthington.

“He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much.”

Scoring 35 goals in two years at Burnden Park, the first a glorious promotion-winning campaign and the second consolidation in the First Division, Worthington has gone down in Wanderers folklore for many memorable moments, including that keepy-uppy-and-volley solo effort against Ipswich. 

Wanderers said on social media: "It is with great sadness that Bolton Wanderers has today learned of the passing of club legend Frank Worthington. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."