FORMER Bantams youth star Daniel Francis’ footballing career has come “full circle” having joined up with City legend James Hanson at Bradford (Park Avenue).
The left-back was part of a Bradford side containing Reece Staunton and Kian Scales that reached the FA Youth Cup fourth round in 2019/20.
But he left Valley Parade soon after to play club football in Germany, in what, sadly proved to be an injury-ravaged spell for the talented youngster.
However, he is back in Bradford enjoying his football once again, and he’s even getting to play with a City great.
He said: “It’s funny you mention James Hanson.
“Me and my dad were talking about him after the game on Tuesday and my dad didn’t realise he’d signed for us.
“He thought he’d recognised him at the match, so I had to tell him about James playing for us. We had a laugh about it.
“It’s almost a full circle moment for me because I’ve grown up in Bradford and I remember watching my first game at Bradford City against Bury when Omar Daley scored that volley (2011 at Valley Parade).
“James was playing that day, and he was often the hero for City when I went to watch him as a youngster.
“Players like him will help Avenue going forward because what he does, he does so well and once we utilise him properly, then that’s when you’ll see the real Avenue.”
Looking back at Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Brighouse, a game that Avenue should be winning on paper, Francis said: “It was nice to score (the equaliser) but the result was extremely frustrating, and it actually felt like a loss.
“For us, it’s about finding ways to win games but also about getting into a routine of knowing how to overcome teams who might not be playing to win.
“We’ve got a number of players who have played at a higher level, myself included, so we really need to step up and take on that weight and expectation.”
Since departing the Bantams’ Academy, Francis has been plying his trade in Germany with fourth and fifth tier sides Rot Weiss Ahlen, KFC Uerdingen 05 and TuS Bövinghausen.
He made a total of 61 appearances across four seasons in Germany, and now returns to England to help a Park Avenue side looking to bounce back after relegation from the Northern Premier League’s top division.
Discussing his reasons behind joining Danny Whitaker’s project, Francis admitted: “Danny sold the project well.
“Also, I’m from Bradford and I’ve been away for quite a while now, and it has been rough at points.
“Injuries really killed the momentum I had going with football, but I’m back here now and in a better environment with my friends and family.
“I feel that if you’re set positively off the pitch, then you will perform better on the pitch and that’s the situation I’m in now.
“So, it looks like I’ve made a good decision to come here.”
He added: “Also, naturally, with me being away, my parents haven’t even had the chance to see me play, but instead they’ve watched on TV or through a livestream.
“Now, they get to see me end the match with a smile on my face.
“They’ve seen me at my lowest points when I’ve been in hospital dealing with surgeries, so the transition back to enjoying my football is sweet.
“Firstly, I’m thankful for the opportunity just to play again and secondly, I can now push on and continue to enjoy my journey.”
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