Willis Francis

Willis David Francis is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder in the Football League. He is currently manager of Basford United.

Career

Francis came through the youth team of Notts County and made his debut for the club whilst he was a third year apprentice, in a 1–1 draw with Blackpool on 30 November 2002. In February 2004 he joined Grantham Town on work experience. He was released by County in March 2004 and rejoined Grantham for the remainder of the 2003–04 season, and was named Player of the Year in the following season for the club. In November 2005 he joined Southern League Premier Division side Rugby Town on a free transfer and made his debut in the same month away at Northwood. He missed part of the 2005–06 season due to a family illness. His first goal for the club came in the 2006–07 season against Aylesbury United in December. He left in September 2007 to join Northern Counties East League side Glapwell, but rejoined Rugby in January 2008 following Rod Brown's appointment. However, in March 2008 he was released from the club having failing to nail down a regular spot in the team.
After a spell as assistant manager at Basford United, in December 2017 Francis was appointed joint manager of Long Eaton United alongside Martin Clarke. They left the club the following year. In January 2025 Francis was appointed manager of Basford United, with John Ramshaw as his assistant.