Francis Laurent

Usually, there would be a good match to remember here, but in researching the article I have found material to use for a game that deserves it’s own piece. Therefore, welcome to what I’m sure many will term as ‘filler’.

Laurent is still only 34-years-old now, which tells you something about when we signed him. He had some success at Southend having arrived on these shores from FSV Mainz. Following his spell on the south coast he went back across the pond, playing for Compiegne. He also trialled at Coventry City, before joining up with the Sixfields side on a short-term deal with an option of a year. That option wasn’t taken and he ended up at City having previously appeared for Steve Tilson at Southend.

At the time of his signing ‘Terrific’ Tilson said: “He is 6ft 2ins, a right-winger with loads of pace, great with the ball at his feet. He has got to get a bit more consistency into his game but I’d like to think his pace will cause problems.” As it was he never got to play for Steve Tilson as he was sacked before Laurent could regain fitness. David Holdsworth gave him ample chances, but he scored just once in a 2-0 away win at Forest Green, for which he should always be applauded

His last game in a City shirt was the 5-0 win against Darlington as an 82nd-minute substitute for Jamie Taylor. Last heard of playing for FC Chambly, a French Second Division outfit.