Position: Central midfielder
Age: 26
Born: Wandsworth (Feb 27, 1979)
Date signed: July 22, 2003
Signed from: Wimbledon, £260,000
Contract: June 2008
City debut: v Bradford City A (August 9, 2003)
Season 2004/05 Appearances (max 41): 35 Goals: 7
Career appearances: 78 Goals: 14

The name on everyone's lips right now following his no-show at Craven Cottage. Francis deserved all the flak he received after City's humiliating 6-0 defeat – but it shouldn't be forgotten that he did make a contribution over the course of the season. For a period either side of his injury break he looked like the complete central midfielder – a record of seven goals in 13 games speaks for itself – and did enough overall to claim runners-up spot in the club's player of the season awards. That doesn't excuse his performance against Fulham, though - and sadly that will provide the lasting memory of Francis' eventful campaign.

Verdict: Francis' mind has appeared to be elsewhere for some time now and it would no surprise to see him moving on during the summer, with London his most likely destination. If he does leave the money will certainly come in handy.

OFF DUTY (2004):

Marital status: Single.
Children: No.
Home: Norwich.

Current car: Porsche Carera.
First car: VW Golf GTI.

How do you relax away from football? Watching television, listening to music. When I get a decent break I like to visit friends and family in London.

Favourite other sport to play: Tennis.
Favourite other sport to watch: Basketball. Not much of a football watcher – I’d much rather play.
Favourite holiday destination: New York.
Favourite television programme: The Simpsons.
Favourite film: American History X (in which two brothers are drawn into a neo-nazi gang in Los Angeles and one decides to break free).
Favourite restaurant/eating place: Zizzis in Norwich.
Favourite read: Hip-hop magazines. I don’t spend much time reading, to be honest.
Recommended listening: American hip-hop. There’s no one over here who really measures up. If I had to pick one artiste – Tupac.

Best thing about living in Norfolk: There aren’t too many distractions! I really like Norwich, but there’s obviously not so much going on here as in London. That’s been good because I’ve been able to focus fully on my football.
Worst thing about living in Norfolk: It’s a fair trek to see friends and family and I do miss them, even though the move has been a excellent one from a footballing point of view.

First result you look out for: Wimbledon. They’ve sold a lot of players, but I’ve still go a lot of mates there and it’s the only club I’ve played for apart from Norwich.
What was the first team you played for: That would be my primary school in Wandsworth, Allfarthings. When I was a little older I was spotted by Wimbledon.

What would you have done for a living if you hadn’t made the grade?: I’ve always been interested in real estate and I’ve got a few properties in London. That’s something I’d have got involved in if I hadn’t made it as a pro.
What would you like to do when your playing days are over?: As above – but obviously I hope I won’t be concentrating fully on that for a fair few years yet!