Men’s First Team captain / goalkeeper Jack Francis has become the first player to make 200 competitive appearances for Clapton CFC since formation in 2018.
Jack has just overtaken Dean Bouho to become the club’s leading appearance maker, with Deano on 193 appearances.
After joining in the summer of 2019, Jack’s competitive debut came on the first game of the 2019/2020 season. He kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 home win against Sporting Hackney at the Wadham Lodge Stadium in our first game in the MCFL Premier Division after promotion.
Overall, the man with the Moomin tattoo has played 166 times in the league, 34 more games in the cup, making a round 200, plus a further 40 appearances in friendlies.
Leeds fan Jack has also set a few more records – he’s currently on a run of a record 89 consecutive league appearances stretching back to September 2023. He also holds the record for consecutive league and cup appearances of 46. Jack has also been named player of the match a record 31 and a half times and registered 57 clean sheets.
Of course he’s also been captain since 2020 and one of the coaches of our successful Women’s First Team since that same season, while continuing to play for The Gun FC on Sundays.
On reaching the landmark, Jack said:
200 thank yous for every volunteer that makes matchday possible. Forever grateful to be able to represent this club and its values, although I’m happier that this year we’re representing less in Kent… This season it feels as if we’re building something special on the pitch with M1T on the back of the cup win last season. Love to all my brothers who make Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons filled with collective joy (midweek games are still Haram). Hopefully you can see the togetherness, solidarity and passion for the cause we show every week. My hope is that all members can replicate this across the club in which capacity they choose to create something special on and off the pitch. Free the Filton 24.
Jack, who has recently qualified for our Over 35s team if he ever needs any more games, also answered some questions…
Apart from yourself, who’s the best goalkeeper in our division?
Probably [CCFC back-up keeper] Chris Mathers? Honestly, I’ve got too much to worry about on a Saturday to start developing inferiority complexes.
What’s the song or comment you’ve heard from fans that’s made you laugh most over the past 2 seasons?
Someone was singing my Toxic chant which I’ve not heard in years, that got a smile. Although whenever ‘I love Jack in goal’ rings out, a striker will ask how much I’m getting paid.
Have you done an overly dramatic save “for the fans” this season?
Have you seen me play before? To be fair, not this season, [goalkeeper coach] Robin Philpott would probably frown upon it. Is this a loaded question?
Any truth in the rumour you played for St Johnstone?
We had a weekend with the academy with school and they took an interest. Tami Unuefa and Jake Wintour (who went to the same school, but more recently) got to go to Valencia CF or Villarreal for pre-season tours, not that I’m jealous.
What’s your favourite goalkeeper kit?
From a vintage perspective the Nike 2003/4 templates that Leeds Utd and Porto used. Or 2004/5 Real Madrid, prime Casillas.
Any suggestions on places for a pre-season tour?
Just get it done, please. Practicality wise, Dublin or Barcelona. Would even settle for Margate at this rate…
If we had a pre-match fit check, WNBA-style, what would you wear? Be specific?
There’s a fine for not wearing the club tracksuit which is lucky as I don’t have what the kids call ‘drip’. Would probably just raid Adam Sidky’s wardrobe.
Given your Dad’s favourite save was the tip over v Forest Hill Park in the cup final last season, what’s your favourite from the past few years?
Can you tell him I need picking up, please? Possibly a few penalty saves from FA Vase shootouts in previous seasons, more recently a couple from Lymore Gardens and Rayleigh Town unfortunately pre-CCFC goal cam.
Pick a best 11 of all the players you’ve played with for CCFC..(he is of course included!)
Too many to mention and changes depending on the type of game. Relegate us so we can do roll on roll off and I’ll pick 16 absolute ballers. The 2018 team also needs their flowers as they set the tone for ‘semi pro’ football. Favourite player of all time is Fred Taylor who I will name my first-born after.
What do you remember about you first game?
Mine and Noah Adejokun’s debut at Wadham Lodge, knowing if it didn’t go well at least it’s only a 5 minute walk home. A tentative 2-0 win against Sporting Hackney with a raucous crowd, with me trying to understand why so many people would turn out midweek for a shocking standard of football.
Most hated opponents?
I think a lot of teams overestimate their relevance to the whole Saturday. But since you need an answer, anyone whose first words when the come to the OSD are derogatory about the area or hate the stickers. Glass houses, my friend. Cultural melting pot or Deliverance, I know where I’d rather be… RIP Brentham.
What’s your favourite sticker and why is it CCFC DAMN.?
Kendrick for the culture of course but Fionn Glancy sticker is goated. Also didn’t get any stickers of me in the mosh pit, send ASAP please.
Are we really all Leeds?
“An astonishing number of people despise Leeds United, or what Leeds United stand for. But this club was never made for them” – Phil Hay
Season by season
2019/20
- Supporters’ Player of The Season award
- Players’ Player of The Season award
- Most POTM awards
2020/21
- Supporters’ Player of The Season
- Most assists
- League and cup ever present
2021/22
- Alec Smith Premier Cup winner
- Supporters’ Player of The Season
- Players’ Player of The Season
- Most POTM awards
- Ever present in the league
2022/23
- MCFL Premier Division winner
- Ever present in the league and the cup
2023/24
- Most POTM awards
- Ever present in the cup
2024/25
- Southern Counties League East Division One Cup winner
- Ever present in the league
2025/26
- Brian Lomax Trophy winner
- Ever present in the league
Stats by Gary Price