Francis was a striker during his playing days and turned out for Sutton United, Carshalton Athletic, Kingstonian and Crawley Town.He started his managerial career with Crawley Reserves before becoming the first team boss, who he guided to eight senior trophies and promotion to the Conference National.Francis joined Basingstoke in March 2006 after the dismissal of former boss Ernie Howe. He helped the club to survive relegation at the end of that season and also took charge of the Hampshire Cup final that the side had already qualified for. They went down in that game 1-0 to Farnborough Town.His first full season in charge was almost disastrous as the club only avoided relegation on the last day of the season by goal difference. However, the team went on their best FA Cup run for 10 years and got to the second round, which included a 1-0 victory at League One outfit Chesterfield.The 2007/08 season started more positively and the club climbed as high as fourth in the Conference South. Injuries after Christmas saw the club fall down the league and Vines resigned in March with the club in mid-table.
