Defender Chris Francis _(Image: Oxford City)_
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Oxford City have signed central defender Chris Francis following his departure from Premier League side Crystal Palace in the summer.
Francis spent last season on loan at National League side Dagenham & Redbridge having been a key player for Palace's under-21 side following his arrival at Selhurst Park in August 2023.
He said: "I feel good. It's a good opportunity for me to get some games, especially at this stage of the season, and I’m really looking forward to it.
"I’ve been training hard. I’m fit, I’m ready, and I think this is the right time to come here."
Francis began his career at Swindon Town before joining North Leigh, where he caught the attention of Premier League teams.
Bournemouth eventually secured his services, and Francis spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Weymouth in National League South before his move to London.
Now, he links up with Ross Jenkins’ squad to bolster their defensive ranks, and the Hoops will hope he can help them to move up the league.
They currently sit 22nd in National League North, with just two wins from their opening 12 games.
Their most recent match ended in a 2-1 defeat against fellow strugglers Southport, who are now able to leapfrog City and move off the bottom of the table, with two games in hand over their Saturday opponents.