A tribute to the late Francis Joseph

Everyone at Wealdstone Football Club is saddened by the passing of Francis Joseph.

Francis, who was 62 when he died, only played once for the first team, as a 16-year-old in a 1-1 draw away to Willesden in the Middlesex Senior Cup. He scored in the match in 1977 and played alongside Watson, Fulton, Morton, Byrne, Duck.

He almost rejoined in 1994, playing in a four team tournament pre season games versus Camberley, then a week later, playing away to Rayner's Lane in a pre season friendly. He scored in the 1-1 draw against Camberley and also played in the win at Viking Sports that pre-season too.

Francis went on to become Head Coach of our successful PASE Academy in conjunction with Stanmore College, taking the team to the FA Youth Cup third round in 2004 with a tie away at Anfield v Liverpool.

"Sad, sad news," said former player Aaron Mcleish-White. "I had the pleasure of playing under him when I was 17. He pushed me the hardest ever in preseason in my life and it paid off that year. He always wanted me to do more and always had time for me. RIP Mr Joseph."

Stonecast host and boyhood fan Adam Hills paid the following tribute.

"So sad! A ferocious and fiercely passionate man who leaves behind a wonderful legacy of players who have taken so much from him," wrote Hills on Twitter. "Make no mistake, his contribution to getting Stones (back to) where they are today is massive. RIP big man, sleep well."

Our condolences go out to Francis' family, including son Zak who plays for Chesham United. Francis will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.