ED’S A-HEAD OF THE GAME!
ED FRANCIS has paid tribute to key figures at Gateshead after he made a successful comeback from a fractured skull.
Francis, the former Notts County and Harrogate Town midfielder, suffered the horror injury during the New Year’s Day defeat at York City, prompting a painstaking six-week recovery period.
However, his patience paid off last Saturday when the Heed vice-captain completed an emotional return to action in helping the Heed to a 1-0 win at Southend United.
Now, with his focus now on the future rather than his recovery, Francis has given an insight into invaluable contribution that manager Rob Elliot and his backroom staff played in getting him back onto the pitch.
He told The NLP: “It wasn’t the worst case scenario with the injury and as soon as I knew that I just wanted to be back out on the pitch and helping the lads.
“I have the headband on but that’s just for my own comfort really. I feel really good out there and now I’ve got the taste back I just want more and more.
Specialist
“It feels like I’ve never been away and it’s credit to Rob, Louis (Storey, player-assistant manager), Mags (Carl Magnay, coach) and the staff for making it so easy before I feel like I’ve just picked up where I left off.
“The specialist said I don’t really need it but I feel it’s just for a bit of protection and confidence for myself to be honest and when I feel ready to take it off I can do so. Maybe it’s become my trademark now, let’s see how it goes.”
The loss of Francis came at the worst possible time for Gateshead with key duo Robbie Tinkler and Greg Olley both suffering from long-term injuries and loan stars Kyran Lofthouse, Billy Chadwick and Archie Mair all recalled by their parent clubs before moving on elsewhere.
Challenge
To make matters worse, in-form forward Stephen Wearne was reunited with former Heed manager Mike Williamson at MK Dons after the League Two club triggered a release clause in his contract.
A hasty rebuild of the Gateshead squad took place and there are some signs they are returning to form after they claimed seven points from games against Barnet, Southend and Eastleigh over the last two weeks.
With a play-off challenge still on the cards after coming through a period of difficulty, Francis believes his side are now ready to push on and keep alive their hopes of claiming a top seven spot. “I think we are in a really good place and the win over Barnet was a bit of a turning point,” he explained.
“It was difficult because we had a lot of new lads coming in, a lot of young lads too, so it was difficult for them.
“You have to give credit to the club as a whole for keeping that continuity and it has taken a few weeks for the boys to settle in but we are now in a really good place as a squad moving forwards.”