Basford Re-building Under Francis

There’ll be a new feel for supporters at Greenwich Avenue when their beloved Ambers take to the field at the start of the 2025/26 season.

Having taken the helm at Basford United back in January this year, ex-professional, Willis Francis (played for Notts County, 2002-04) has signed a new contract, as has Martin Carruthers (head of football) and Saul Deeney (player-coach), for the new season, and there’s already been plenty of action at the football club.

One of the major changes, amongst a number of departures, has been the huge loss of club legend, Matt Thornhill, who spent the past nine years at Greenwich, he taking up the opportunity for a move to Step Three, and leaves having been awarded the clubs’ prestigious, Player of the Decade award, recently presented by Chairman, Chris Munroe.

Despite the departure of Thornhill, along with that of Brad Gascoigne, Joe Uveges (taking a scholarship in the USA), Rhys Sharpe, Jacob Gratton, Harvey Ridgley and Jonny White, manager Francis et al have moved quickly to strengthen the club.

Ambers Chairman, Chris Munroe, was delighted with the signings on the Basford bench, saying of Francis, Carruthers, and Deeney: “I’m absolutely delighted to secure Willis, Gandi, and Saul on management and coaching deals for the 2025/26 season.

“The last three weeks have been a whirlwind, and the first team is looking completely reinvigorated.

“Without question, the recruitment — including negotiations around retained players — has been A*.

“Hopefully, we can embrace one step backwards to take two steps forward.”

There’s already been eight new signings through the Greenwich Avenue gates, including prolific scorer, Kieran Cummings, from Newark & Sherwood United, the much-sought after striker joining on the back of a 32-goal season with the Highwaymen.

Cummings is joined by fellow forward, Jack Goodman, and attacking midfielder Jordy Hallam, the latter having spent the back of the season just finished on-loan at Gainsborough Trinity.

Callum Cocks and Connor Dimaio also strengthen the Ambers midfield, the latter having had higher level experience with that of Sheffield United, Chesterfield, and Stockport County, early in his career, racking up near a century of appearances between 2013 and 2020.

Last season would see the Ambers ship seventy-nine goals in forty-two league games, being relegated from the Northern Premier League Premier Division from second bottom; that relegation has seen them go into the NPL Division One Midlands, joining fellow Notts club, Carlton Town, who’ve been moved laterally for the new season.

That defensive record has prompted a defensive overhaul with Francis bringing in two new defenders, and a new shot-stopper, so far….

The new defenders are that of Louis Nicholson and Ryan Ebanks, the former returning to the club having gone through their Academy prior to a scholarship Stateside, and a spell with Shepshed Dynamo, whilst the latter has also had experience with Notts County, among others.

Behind them is the addition of a new shot-stopper at the club, their new number one, Matt Yates, last season’s Supporters Player of the Season at local rivals, Ilkeston Town, and is seen as being a fan favourite.

Upon joining the Ambers, the former Derby County, Gainsborough Trinity, and Ilkeston star said of the move: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign for the club.

“It’s a great opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.

“There’s a string squad building here with really quality; (I’m) Looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”

Head of Football, Martin Carruthers, added of the addition: “Matt is a massive signing for us.

“He’s been on my list of top goalkeepers for the past 3-4 years.

“I’ve had Saul (Deeney), who’s always been brilliant for me, so when we asked him to name the best keeper out there and he picked Yates, that said it all.

“I’m surprised Ilkeston let him go, but that said it’s a huge signing and a big gain for us.”

With pre-season locked in for the Ambers, Willis Francis will pit his side, in the NPL Division One Midlands against that of AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Anstey Nomads, Bedworth United, Belper Town, Boldmere St Michael’s, Bourne Town, Carlton Town, Coleshill Town, Corby Town, Coventry Sphinx, Hinckley Leicester Road, Lichfield City, Long Eaton United, Loughborough Students, Mickleover, Racing Club Warwick, Rugby Borough, Shepshed Dynamo, St. Neots Town, Sutton Coldfield Town, and Wellingborough Town.

Eight pre-season friendlies, subject to change, are also locked in for the Ambers, they being as follows – Hucknall Town (2 July, H), Radford (5 July, H), Eastwood CFC (8 July, H), West Auckland Town (12 July, A), Newark & Sherwood United (14 July, H), Gresley Rovers (19 July, A), Notts County XI (25 July, H), and Ilkeston Town (2 August, H).