Francis, Steve

Steve Francis

Clubs played for: Chelsea, Reading, Huddersfield Town, Northampton Town (1982-1999)

Born: 1964

Birthplace: Billericay

Position: Goalkeeper

Biography: Essex born goalkeeper, signed as an apprentice in July 1980 but didn't have to wait that long for his first team debut. This came against Southampton in October 1981 when John Neal's patience with Petar Borota finally snapped and Francis then enjoyed a two year run in the first team, clocking up 73 consecutive appearances. The arrival of Eddie Niedzwiecki saw him lose his place and it wasn't to be until 1986 that he would get another run in the team this time seven games including the Full Members Cup Final, which he picked up a winners medal but he didn't have the confidence of John Hollins and was sold to Reading for £50,000. After retiring he married into a rich family is a postman in Henley in Arden, Warwickshire.

Do you have any interesting, happy, or humorous memories of Steve?
If so, please let us know and we will be happy to share them with the world!

Francis, Steve Hey David,,,hope your well old mate
Beech Utd ? Lol,lol,m Before Stevie left ya to join us at Senrab Fc before myself and Stevie left for Rippleway Newham,, where many of that team had good careers and we won everything in those years but you know that David,,lol.
I signed for CFC at the same time as SF and we traveled to work together and roomed together on Euro pre season tours,
If your in touch with him David, please tell him I would love to see / speak to him and make him laugh like nobody else could ,,
Ronnie and I travelled to. Southampton when he made his first team debut and we did the Blue Peter special also,,,
So you know the history we have David,,,
Warmest regards,,Popey
17-05-21 Jason Pope

Francis, Steve I played in the same boys team with Steve as 10 year olds with Beech Utd and also in the same District and Essex county teams.He was a great keeper then so wasn’t surprised that he went on to have such a great career.Have good memories of those days,His dad Ron standing behind our goal giving him encouragement.Playing in the little park at the top of the road where our manager Alfie Brown lived just off Church Road Basildon.We had a great little team back then as I remember was unbeaten for a couple of years probably thanks to Steve and maybe some brilliance from me dare I say.Yeah good days back on then and fond memories.

13-03-21 Dave Moles

Francis, Steve I played in the same boys team with Steve as 10 year olds with Beech Utd and also in the same District and Essex county teams. He was a great keeper then so wasn’t surprised that he went on to have such a great career. Have good memories of those days. His dad Ron standing behind our goal giving him encouragement. Playing in the little park at the top of the road where our manager Alfie Brown lived just off Church Road Basildon.W e had a great little team back then as I remember was unbeaten for a couple of years probably thanks to Steve and maybe some brilliance from me dare I say. Yeah good days back on then and fond memories.

13-03-21 Dave Moles

Francis, Steve He is indeed a postie in the midlands a good lad who takes the mickey taking in good fun