Robson pays tribute to Trevor Francis

Francis scored the winning goal in the 1979 European Cup final for Nottingham Forest, shortly after becoming the first British player to be the subject of a £1 million transfer fee.

He won 52 caps for England between 1976 and 1986 and shared a pitch with Robson at the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

The two were also opponents at the highest level of English football for a number of years and were close personal friends.

“As a person he was a great lad, a fantastic player,” Robson said.

“I had the privilege of playing with Trevor for England, but we became close families as well because, in 1981 when I moved to United, Trevor had just moved to Man City.

“We were in the same apartment block until we bought a house to live in the area. We stayed friends with Helen his wife as well, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago.

“Condolences to James and Matthew, the two boys, and their family. Trevor will be sadly missed, because he’s a great lad.”

Francis retired in 1994 after a 24-year playing career which included spells in the United States, Italy, Scotland and Australia.

He became a respected manager, reaching the FA Cup and League Cup finals with Sheffield Wednesday and was also regularly heard as a commentator on television.

But it was for his on-pitch exploits that he’ll be most remembered, with Robson agreeing that he will go down as a legend of the game in this country.

“He was a fabulous player, a fitness fanatic, really quick,” he added. “He could score great goals and when he played for Sampdoria over in Italy, he was one of the fans’ favourites, because he was so good.

“He wasn’t afraid to take on challenges and that’s why he played in so many countries and why he was so successful.”

Everyone at United would like to echo Bryan’s words and our thoughts are with Trevor’s family at this very sad time.