Ed Francis makes 'tough' Notts County admission and opens up on life under Luke Williams

Notts County defensive midfielder Ed Francis has opened up on pre-season under new manager Luke Williams so far and his role just ahead of the defence.

The 22-year-old was on the scoresheet on Tuesday evening as the Magpies beat Derbyshire-based National League North outfit Alfreton Town 2-0 in their third friendly of pre-season, extending their 100 per cent record thus far.

Asked how pre-season had gone so far, Francis told Pies Player: “Very well. I mean, it’s been tough. The gaffer’s got a few runs that he likes and obviously we know we’re going to work hard in pre-season but so far, so good. I’m giving it my all and really enjoying it.

“I think it suits me [playing ahead of the defence]. The gaffer’s got me in there just in front of their striker mopping things up and then getting on the ball and getting attacks started. So I’m just learning the role and, like I say, I’m really enjoying it so far.”

The visitors were dominant from start to finish at the Impact Arena and the superiority eventually showed when Cal Roberts was taken down in the area just before half-time, with the forward converting from the spot.

Williams’ side doubled their lead in the second half as striker Kairo Mitchell lined up a shot in the area that was flicked home past the goalkeeper by Francis, with the former Manchester City and Wolves youth player struggling to hide his delight with scoring a rare goal.

“The ball’s come in, dropped to Kairo who’s tried to shoot a little bit and it’s come to my right foot, my magic right foot,” the midfielder explained. “And I’ve just flicked it behind him and it’s gone in so yeah, delighted with the goal.

“Yeah no chance [it being Mitchell’s goal]. I think it was going wide from Kairo, he’ll tell you that