Football Queensland is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Pimblett, a former state team captain and stalwart of the game in Queensland. 

Frank’s celebrated career in Australia created a unique link between the top flight of English football and the National Soccer League (NSL) after the England schoolboy representative made his debut for Aston Villa at just 17, in a 1975 FA Cup clash against Oldham Athletic. 

In total he made 11 appearances for the club including six in the First Division, the then top tier of English football, and went on to play for Stockport County FC before moving to Queensland. 

Working in Brisbane as a steel fixer on construction sites, Frank joined Brisbane City FC for the inaugural season of the Australian NSL in 1977 and played in the club’s first ever NSL match against Marconi Stallions in front of a crowd of 5,214 at Perry Park. Just a year later, the 21-year-old midfielder led Brisbane City to a second consecutive NSL Cup title. 

Among his career highlights during his time with Brisbane City, where he became captain and the club’s leading appearance maker in the NSL, Frank won the 106.9 QFM Soccer Gold Award in 1989, polling a record 36 points based on referee 3-2-1 votes. That same year, he was also a runaway winner of the Courier Mail’s Best and Fairest Soccer Award. Frank was named a Brisbane City Club Legend in 2022. 

In addition to his achievements within the NSL, Frank was also a stalwart in the Queensland state team and captained the side in 1992. 

Described as a “Queensland soccer legend”, his contributions to our beautiful game will never be forgotten. 

Football Queensland extends its condolences to Frank’s family and loved ones.