Town boss Byfield hails departed Francis

STRATFORD Town boss Darren Byfield has thanked “top guy” Liam Francis for his efforts after the player departed the club this week.

The centre-back ended a three-year association with club after agreeing to sign for Southern League Premier Division rivals Redditch United.

Francis, or ‘Spider’ as he is widely known by his team-mates, clocked up 153 appearances at Stratford after signing for the club for a second time in 2015.

“He’s a top player and a top guy,” said Byfield.

“Unfortunately, the road we’re going down, might not suit Liam as much as someone else.

“But I want to emphasise what a top guy he is and he’s been a great servant to the club. To make more than 100 appearances for any club is a massive achievement.”

Former Town youth teamer Charlie Evans has also left the club after agreeing to re-join former boss Carl Adams at Rugby Town.

Evans came off the bench in Rugby’s 4-0 UCL win over Peterborough Northern Star on Saturday, while he was unused substitute in their 2-0 defeat at Leicester Nirvana on Tuesday night.