TRIBUTES have been pouring in after the sudden death of Frank Corrigan, best known for scoring ‘that goal’ against Watford which put Northwich Victoria into the fourth round of the 1977 FA Cup.
Since his death from a heart attack, social media has been full of messages and memories of Frank, 71, recalling his achievements on and off the pitch.
His daughter Sian said: “Losing dad so suddenly was such a shock and so very hard.
“However, the outpouring of memories and the love people obviously had for him has been such a comfort to us – it turns out he wasn’t just my hero.”
Frank played for both Vics and Witton Albion during his career but it was the goal he scored on January 8, 1977, that become sporting legend.
In front of a packed Drill Field, that included a certain Watford chairman Elton John, Frank blasted a shot past Watford goalkeeper Andy Rankin to take the score to 3-2. Rankin later described it as being like Concord flying past him.
Frank’s football career also included playing for Wigan Athletic, for whom he appeared in their first Football League match in 1978, Burton Albion, Bangor City, Walsall and Blackpool.
Very sad news about Frank Corrigan. RIP Frank good player and great character 💙 pic.twitter.com/bzNSIDcNSO
— Terry Thomas (@terrythomas1) November 30, 2023
Saddened to hear the News of Northwich football Legend Frank Corrigan's Death 🙏 Famous for scoring the winning goal for @NorthwichVicsFC against @eltonofficial @WatfordFC a Personal friend & one of life's great characters RIP Mate 💔 Gutted pic.twitter.com/LmZlcu7PHJ
— 🄱🄰🅉🄻🄴🅈10 (@bazley10) November 30, 2023
𝗢𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 | 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻 (𝟭𝟵𝟱𝟮-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯)
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) December 2, 2023
All at Wigan Athletic Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former midfielder Frank Corrigan at the age of 71.
Words from @jeffrourke1951.#wafc
Sian added: “Dad’s roots may have been in Liverpool but for more than 40 years Northwich has been his home and his community. I know he will be missed by many and so we really hope that people will remember him and continue to share their memories and keep his spirit alive.”
Once his football career came to an end Frank spent almost two decades working for North West Water, making many lifelong friends along the way.
He carried on playing football for local teams until he was almost 50, including the Hair Shop, Knutsford Veterans, the George and Dragon and the Thatched Tavern, which is now the Iron Bridge which was also his local pub.
Frank leaves behind his wife June, daughter Sian and grandson Callum.
His funeral will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, December 19 at St Wilfrid’s in Northwich.
This will be followed by a celebration of his life at Northwich Rugby Club.
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