Notts County have signed 21 year old midfielder Edward Francis from Harrogate Town in a two year deal that see’s the six footer as a huge boost to the County squad.

A holding midfielder or centre back, Francis has England Youth caps at U16,17,18 & 19’s level and captained a Manchester City youth team that included the likes of Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden.

Having joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2019, Francis was loaned out to Grasshopper Zurich in Switzerland before returning to England and playing for Harrogate Town last season, making 20 appearances in League Two.

The much travelled youngster has also played in Holland and is a highly regarded footballer whom Head Coach Ian Burchnall suggests “Positionally he’s very, very good, he’s comfortable on the ball and has a lovely left foot – as well as a good physical presence.”

Burchnall stated he’ll be looking to play Francis in the centre of the park for Notts going forward, commenting “In the role we want Ed to play, you’re the pivot of the whole team. You have to understand space, where to position yourself to receive the ball and the defensive areas to cover. You’re also responsible for dictating the play, so it’s a hugely important position.”

On signing for the club, Francis himself stated “The main thing about my next move was getting 30-40 games a season in a holding midfield role and showing everyone what I can do in that position.”

“Notts wanted to give me that opportunity and it’s one of the key reasons I chose to come here.”

The Cheshire born star continued “I want to get on the ball as much as possible and create attacks by distributing it to the creative players.

“Once we’ve got the territory, I want to help us sustain attacks and dominate teams with our pressing until we get the goals. Then it’s about controlling possession and hopefully picking teams apart with some good football.

“The way the head coach wants to play suits my game perfectly and it’s now about me getting out on the pitch, proving myself to everyone and helping us get back into the EFL.

“Longer-term, the goal for me is to be here as long as possible – and the ultimate aim is to captain the club and win titles.”

Francis joins the likes of Joel Taylor, Frank Vincent and Kyle Cameron as other marquee signings already at the club this summer.

*Main image @Official_NCFC Ed Francis arrives at Meadow Lane.