A legend is lost
24th July 2023 will be remembered as the day football lost a true footballing genius and Birmingham City Legend Trevor Francis.
Trevor played over 700 games across a playing career spanning 24 years with an astonishing 113 scored for BCFC. When you mention his name everyone remembers this 16 year old who hit the ground running and his talent was noted when he scored 4 goals against Bolton before he was 17. He went onto help Birmingham to promotion and continued to Excel under Freddie Goodwin before he was sold to Nottingham Forest as the 1st ever Million Pound player, although Cloughie always denied this 🙂
Trever went on to win major honours at Forest before moving onto Detroit and Manchester City. TF moved across to Europe representing Sampdoria and Atalanta where he went onto to take further cup wins in the Copa Italia. He ended his playing career after winning honours in Scotland, promotion and league cup wins at Sheffield Wednesday before becoming player manager of QPR.
Natural progression for TF was to move into management and with the skills he obtained he was able to help teams progress. He managed Sheffield Wednesday between 1991-1995 taking them to cup finals before being released a year later.
TF returned to St Andrews taking over from Barry Fry with a target to return the club to the premier league. TF was so unlucky during his time with Play off losses and of-course the Worthington cup final loss to Liverpool. It was during the final that Francis will be remembered for his emotional hug of Andrew Johnson after missing the vital penalty. This further enforced the love that Trevor had for the club. TF left the club the following season.
Fans have offered condolences as well as remembering their time watching Trevor wither on the pitch or in the dugout. The footballing word has lost a true legend
Our condolences to the Francis Family and all of his friends across the footballing world
This blog brought tears to my eyes.
Trevor Francis player manager – a legend gone but not forgotten.
Trevor Francis will never be lost. I will always be part of our club.