Ed Francis' full Harrogate Town debut hailed as 'outstanding' by manager Simon Weaver

The former Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder joined the Sulphurites on a free transfer last week and appeared from the substitutes' bench in the second half of Tuesday night's win at Exeter.

Injury to skipper Josh Falkingham saw 21-year-old Francis handed his first start for the club against Salford City on Saturday, and although Town went on to lose the game 1-0, their new signing impressed in the centre of the park.

"I was proud of his debut," boss Weaver said.

"He deserved more than coming off on the losing side.. He can certainly pick a pass early, he's got vision, presence and personality, so he'll do for us.

"There will be more to come as well. He's a cool customer, I don't think he's going to get flustered at this level.

"We need more and more composure and that's what he brings."

While Francis went about his work efficiently and was among his side's stand-out performers against Salford, Town still seemed to miss the drive and bite that the absent Falkingham usually brings to the party.

But, asked whether he felt that the team that he fielded were lacking in that department, Weaver replied: "No, I think that Ed had an outstanding full debut. He was thunderous in one tackle, he's offers a lot and I could hear him out there.

"I think he's got personality. Any team in the land would miss a player like Falks, but I thought that Ed showed presence."