Striker Joe Francis had a trial with Norwich aged 13 but was told that he did not possess enough speed over 10 yards.

Noticed by former Ipswich Town coach Peter Trevivian at the SETEC soccer scheme at Copleston Sports College, Francis played for Witnesham Wasps as a youth and Westerfield in the Metaltec SIL before being recommended by Trevivian to Woodbridge (Ridgeons League).

In January 2007, he trialled with Ipswich's reserves, scoring in a 2-0 win over Stevenage's reserves. He played three times for Ipswich's reserves but was not taken on.

He joined Kings Lynn in June 2007 for £2,500 and scored 23 times for Kings Lynn in the 2007-08 season as the Linnets won the BGB Premier Division Championship. He was also voted the league`s Player of the Year.

In March 2009, he moved to Corby Town where he played the final 14 games of the season and scored 8 goals as he helped them to the Southern Premier league title last season

He joined Lowestoft in December 2009.

He moved to rivals Leiston in June 2013 for an undisclosed fee “due to work commitments and to be closer to home”. Francis believed he would not be able to offer the Trawlerboys the commitment they need next season as they look to shrug off the disappointment of a third play-off failure.