Trevor Francis's family thanks fans for support

The family of Trevor Francis have issued a statement thanking fans for their "overwhelming messages of support" after the former Birmingham player suffered a suspected heart attack yesterday.

The 57-year-old is recovering at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital after complaining of chest pains yesterday.

Former club Birmingham City tweeted this morning: "Trevor Francis' family have contacted the club to express their thanks at the overwhelming messages of support from Blues fans."

The club added that they had been told Francis had undergone surgery to have a stent fitted and that he had made good progress.

The former England striker, who was English football's first million-pound player, is hoping to return home early next week.