Francis Set To Snub Toon For Stoke?

Last updated : 05 October 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

Mike Ashley decimated the coaching staff after his ruck with Kevin Keegan, sending Terry McDermott and Adam Sadler on their merry way.

It was a show of childishness rather than being practical in a business sense, and he was left to feel the wrath as public opinion turned against the owner.

But Francis is wanted by Stoke City, and I'm sure he sees that as more 'long term' than a month at St James' Park.

His last management job in the game was in 2001 when he bossed Bristol Rovers during an ill-fated period in the basement division of the Football League which almost resulted in relegation to the Conference.