Steve Francis-where is he now?

[hutch]

In my time as a Reading supporter without a doubt my favourite goalkeeper has to be Steve Francis. I never saw Steve Death play so I can`t compare the two. Some would argue but I`d rate him higher than both Hahnemann and Shaka as the best keeper.
He left RFC in 1993 to go to Huddersfield where he stayed for 6 seasons, leaving there in 1999 to go to Northampton where he played only 3 games before seemingly retiring. I can`t find any more information than this. Does anyone know any more info on (arguably) one of RFC`s greatest keepers?
In my youth I was an avid reader of Match magazine and in 1988 they ran an article asking the reader to be the England manager and send in their dream England XI. Of course I included the likes of Gary Lineker, Peter Beardsley, Terry Butcher and the like with "Englands number 1, Englands, Englands number 1 in goal of course!! I was probably the only fan in the whole country to select Francis but there you go. I really did rate him that highly and he saved Readings and his defences bacon on many occasions.
Do any other Nobbers have any memories of Super Stevie Francis? please post any that you have.

[Ian Royal]

I remember him saving a penalty from Morley only for "Stabber" to head it in on the rebound.

[size 12]

Simod Cup winner 1988

I remember going to Huddersfield first game of a season (possibly 1994/1995?) and winning 3-0. Francis was definitely in goal for them that day

[Muskrat]

I remember him saving a penalty from Morley only for "Stabber" to head it in on the rebound.

Shirley you mean "Nudger"??

[Thaumagurist*]

I remember him saving a penalty from Morley only for "Stabber" to head it in on the rebound.

Shirley you mean "Nudger"??

Ian Royal is simply being homophobic.

[Mad Dog's Ghost]

Simply a top, top keeper. Always thought he should have played at a higher level.

Steve Death shades it for me, simply because his unbeaten run coincided with my first ever season of going to football.

[Uncle Andy]

remember him getting concussed in a match and his legs turning to jelly as oppo player coming in on him, think it might have been vince some one or other, said player then getting loads of abuse even tho not his fault.
Top keeper
gt nopt gp

[Thaumagurist*]

remember him getting concussed in a match and his legs turning to jelly as oppo player coming in on him, think it might have been vince some one or other, said player then getting loads of abuse even tho not his fault.
Top keeper
gt nopt gp

Yes, that was bloody Portsmouth, the cheating oxf*rd.

[Ian Royal]

I remember him saving a penalty from Morley only for "Stabber" to head it in on the rebound.

Shirley you mean "Nudger"??

Ian Royal is simply being homophobic.

Do what? How is being stabbed by your wife because she found you wearing her clothes anything to do with sexuality. How is me referring to him by a common nickname used when he played for us homophobic.

I don't fear the gays. I'm an ex-drama student for crissake. I'm virtually an honourary gay!

[Muskrat]

When he was a Reading, his nickname was Nudger. HTH.

[Thaumagurist*]

.

[Mad Dog's Ghost]

Okay ladies.

Anyone know what Steve's up to now then.

[Royal Rother]

I thought he was a damned fine shot-stopper but a bit small and wouldn't rate him in Shaka or Hahnemann's league. He also let a few soft ones in (from hazy memory). For a couple of years I'd also say Whitehead was better than Francis.

[peterroyal76]

remember him getting concussed in a match and his legs turning to jelly as oppo player coming in on him, think it might have been vince some one or other, said player then getting loads of abuse even tho not his fault.
Top keeper
gt nopt gp

Was it Vince Hilaire?

[Franchise FC]

quote="Ian Royal"I remember him saving a penalty from Morley only for "Stabber" to head it in on the rebound.

Shirley you mean "Nudger"??

Ian Royal is simply being homophobic.

Do what? How is being stabbed by your wife because she found you wearing her clothes anything to do with sexuality. How is me referring to him by a common nickname used when he played for us homophobic.

I don't fear the gays. I'm an ex-drama student for crissake. I'm virtually an honourary gay!

That's not the story I remember - I thought she caught him with Ian Bishop (brings a whole new meaning to bashing the bishop)

[Still Hate Futcher!]

I thought he was a damned fine shot-stopper but a bit small and wouldn't rate him in Shaka or Hahnemann's league. He also let a few soft ones in (from hazy memory). For a couple of years I'd also say Whitehead was better than Francis.

Definately one of the best Royals keepers I've ever seen (again, I never saw Steve Death play). I'd put him behind Shaka, ahead of Whitehead and perhaps on a par with Hahnemann. I remember he came in when goalie was a real problem position - Westwood was a good shot stopper but I seem to recall he was woeful on crosses.

My most memorable Francis save was in extra time during the Simod Semi (from David Speedie i think). It took us to pens and the rest is history.

I remember we also had some top keepers on loan back at Elm Park, Tommy Wright being the pick of them but Jim Leighton, Chris Woods and Steve Sutton also doing a job (as you'd expect given their pedigree).

[Beef]

Was that the season we used a ridiculous number of goalkeepers?

[Ian Royal]

Ian Royal is simply being homophobic.

Do what? How is being stabbed by your wife because she found you wearing her clothes anything to do with sexuality. How is me referring to him by a common nickname used when he played for us homophobic.

I don't fear the gays. I'm an ex-drama student for crissake. I'm virtually an honourary gay!

That's not the story I remember - I thought she caught him with Ian Bishop (brings a whole new meaning to bashing the bishop)

Meh, I was fairly young, I may have missed out on the more involved details and got the sanitised story.

shit stabber is a rubbish term. Although after Franchises version the nickname makes more sense.

[From Despair To Where?]

Westwood wasn't that bad a keeper. Don't particularly remember him being poor at crosses, although he wasn't the tallest of keepers. I do remember his inability to kick the ball out of his own half. Francis was a much, much better keeper though and, along with Mark Whitlock, was the last Reading player I can remember sporting a really dodgy 'tache. I think he'd be regarded more fondly if he hadn't been replaced by Shaka. I can only asume he spent some lengthy periods on the injury list as nothing else can explain Gary Phillips spending a season in goal. Now he so shit, he made Simon Sheppard look good.

[Still Hate Futcher!]

Worse than Van Der Kwaak?