Tonbridge Angels would like to offer belated birthday wishes to Gerry Francis, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Wednesday, 6th December.

Gerry, who was born in Johannesburg, came to England in 1957 to join Leeds United where he played alongside Elland Road legends, John Charles, Billy Bremner and Jack Charlton.

After four seasons at Leeds, making 52 appearances and scoring nine goals, Gerry moved on to York City for a single season in 1961 where he played 16 times.

In 1962 he moved south to Tonbridge and in a three year spell the fleet-footed winger delighted the Angel Ground supporters making 174 appearances and scoring 61 goals. During his time with the Angels, the club won the Kent Senior Cup in 1965 beating Bexley in the Final and the Kent Floodlight Cup and Kent Senior Shield in 1964.

Gerry, pictured with his captain, the late Joe Carolan, on a visit back in 2001, now lives in Ontario, Canada with his wife of over 60 years, Gloria.

A wonderful piece on Gerry was produced by Backpass magazine in 2012 and reproduced in Up There Cazaly and can be read HERE.

Happy birthday Gerry, from all here at Longmead Stadium.