bˈɔːɹn ɪn nˈɑːɾɪŋˌæm ænd wˌaɪlst plˈeɪɪŋ fɔːɹ lˈoʊkəl sˈaɪd wˈɛst bɹˈɪdʒfɚd kˈoʊlts fɹˈænsɪs wʌz ɹᵻdʒˈɛktᵻd æz ɐ jˈʌŋstɚ baɪ bˈoʊθ ʌvðə sˈɪɾi klˈʌbz: nˈɑːts kˈaʊnti ænd nˈɑːɾɪŋˌæm fˈɔːɹɪst.
Born in Nottingham and whilst playing for local side West Bridgford Colts Francis was rejected as a youngster by both of the city clubs: Notts County and Nottingham Forest.