City’s newest recruit Ed Francis has given his first interview after signing on a two-year deal from Gateshead to become Gary Caldwell’s fifth summer signing.
From the idyllic surrounds of Exmouth beach, Ed sat down with us to explain what attracted him to Exeter City and what the Grecians fans can expect from him as a player.
“I first heard about the interest about a month ago and I was desperate to get the deal over the line, and I’m very pleased.
“Myself and Gary had a very good honest conversation about the club and how it was fan owned, with the connection to the fans. That is something I had last year with Gateshead, so that really suits me. We spoke about how he wants me to play and where I fit in, and it all really appealed to me.”
Ed has enjoyed a successful career at a young age, having captained the Man City academy in an FA Youth Cup Final, won promotion with Notts County, as well as the FA Trophy with Gateshead last season, and also has the experience of playing abroad with spells in the Netherlands and Switzerland.
“Playing abroad was something I always wanted to do, even if I was a little young, so it was difficult, but those experience have massively helped me especially mentally.
“To be at Notts County – a huge club – and to help them was so amazing, and again at Gateshead was such a tight knit group and there were so many talented players.
“The gaffer at Gateshead gave me the vice-captaincy and that experience at a young age really helped me, and I’d like to think I’m someone the lads can come to – everyone says I’m a bit of an old soul!”
Francis did miss three weeks of last season, in early 2024, after suffering a fractured skull in a match against York City, but thankfully there was no last damage and he has now fully recovered with no lasting effects.
“When it happened I was worried, but it sounded a lot worse in the press than what it was. It turned out to be a cosmetic thing but it never really effected me long term. I came back in three weeks. Initially I had a realisation it could end my career, so I was over the moon to be back in three weeks.”
Hear more from Ed below: