Trevor Francis profile

Francis was British football's first £1m transfer

Worthington Cup final will be broadcast on BBC Sport Online and BBC Five Live 909 & 693 MW from 1500 GMT.

Trevor Francis has only increased his popularity among Birmingham City supporters by steering the club to the Worthington Cup final.

He was already a firm favourite thanks to his goalscoring exploits for the West Midlands club, where he began his career.

He returned as manager in June 1996 and, despite failing to steer the club to promotion to the Premiership, has established even closer ties with the fans.

Although promotion has eluded them in the last two seasons despite reaching the play-offs, Blues are once again challenging for Premiership status this term.

Francis earned 52 England caps

But it was his ability as a striker at the club which started him on the road to glory.

He became the first £1m player when he was transferred to Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest in the late Seventies.

He helped Brian Clough's side to successive European Cup titles in 1979 and 1980, scoring the winner against Malmo in 1979.

Francis also gained 52 England caps as well as enjoying spells at Manchester City, Italian side Sampdoria and Glasgow Rangers.

He took his first steps into management with Queens Park Rangers in 1988 only to return to playing with Sheffield Wednesday.

He was appointed manager of the Owls soon after and guided them into Europe as well as the finals of the FA Cup and League Cup in 1993.

Francis eventually left Wednesday in 1995 before arriving at St Andrews in May 1996, where his status as a Birmingham legend has been firmly cemented.