Valley Stalwart Spider To Leave

Rugby Town's stalwart defender Liam Francis has decided to leave after seven years with the club.

After nearly 200 appearances and 27 goals after joining Rugby in 2018, the current longest-serving player has decided to call it a day on his time at Butlin Road.

Director Neil Melvin commented: "Liam has been a fantastic, loyal servant to the club and for a player to spend seven years with a non-league club is testament to his character.

"He has been a steady constant in what has been a year of many changes and the club are extremely grateful for his commitment.

"We wish him all the very best for whatever he chooses to do next."

Francis had this parting message: "The moment has come when it’s time for me to say farewell to everyone at Rugby Town Football Club.

"It has been an unforgettable seven years here - there have been a lot of ups and downs during my time.

"Firstly, I would like to thank Carl Adams who brought me here in the first place - as soon as he shared the vision, plans and showed me the facilities it was a no-brainer to come here and help the club play at the level it deserves to be.

"Although we did not have the best season last year, we were lucky enough to get a reprieve.

"The team this year is young, talented and hungry and I know they will make this club proud, recent results show you what they are about.

"I also want to thank the new management team Grant, Ross and Chris for putting me through my paces during pre-season and the old guard staff at the club, Mark [Cross], Tom [Binding] and Colin [Raine], whose loyalty to the club is unmatched, they are Valley through and through.

"Jacquie [Leeson], since I came, you have always accommodated to my dietary requirements, which I really appreciate.

"To the owners thank you for having me and keeping that strong relationship.

"Lastly, the fans, through it all you show up week in week out to support us regardless of a win, loss or draw, that never goes unnoticed, I have appreciated your support.

"Thank you for finally giving me a song: “Who’s that coming over the hill? Is it a spider? Is it a Spideeeeeerrrrr?!”

Thank you and God Bless you all."

Liam agreed to join Rugby Town in October 2018 from Southern League Premier side Redditch United.

Affectionately known as Spider, the experienced defender then joined the coaching staff at Butlin Road in August 2022.

Popular with supporters and always likely to pop up with a few goals, the centre back had a revival after a couple of injury-affected campaigns as the club won promotion from the UCL Premier Division South as he featured in nearly every game.

Liam helped the club stay in the NPL Midlands in the subsequent two seasons including being appointed the player/assistant manager in May 2023 following the exit of Justin Marsden.

Prior to joining Rugby Francis spent the previous three seasons under Valley boss Carl Adams at Stratford Town, scoring seven goals in 139 appearances before opting to join Redditch in the summer of 2018.

Liam started his youth career with Coventry City before spells with Leamington, Redditch, Tamworth and Hednesford which preceeded his stay with Stratford.