Trevor Francis has emergency op on heart

Britain's first £1 million footballer Trevor Francis is recovering after suffering a suspected heart attack. The 57-year-old had to have emergency surgery at a Birmingham hospital.

Former England international and Birmingham City striker Francis was taken ill yesterday and has now had a coronary stent fitted.

Wife Helen and son James were by his bedside at Heartlands Hospital. His other son, Matthew, who lives in Spain, has been kept abreast of developments.

A statement on the Birmingham City website said: "Everybody at Birmingham City FC would like to send our best wishes to Trevor following news that he is recovering in hospital from a suspected heart attack.

"The former Blues striker and manager is much loved by everybody associated with the club and we'd like to wish Trevor a speedy recovery."

There were unconfirmed reports he had been taken from his apartment in Solihull to hospital. He was recovering at Heartlands Hospital today.

Francis played for the Blues between 1971-79 before becoming England's first £1m player when he joined Nottingham Forest. He managed Birmingham between 1996 and 2001.

A Birmingham Heartlands Hospital spokesman would confirm only that Francis had been admitted.