Sadly passed away on Saturday April 23rd aged 66.
Born in the North East Francis's family moved down to Stoke-on-Trent in the late 1960s when the mines closed in that part of the country. As a pupil he attended St Joes at Trent Vale .He spent his working life at the Sentinel. A Newcastle fan by birth he adopted the Vale and was a season ticket holder for many years. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer 12 months ago but still purchased a season ticket and attended matches until very recently when he became too ill.
He leaves behind wife Susan.
There will be a minutes applause in the 66th minute at the match on Monday against Newport.
RIP Fran