Exeter City midfielder Ed Francis has pulled the plug on his expected transfer to St. Mirren.
The 26-year-old has struggled for minutes this season at St. James’ Park, making just two League One starts this season and made a brief cameo in their pummelling at the hands of Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Deal Collapse Revealed
As reported by the Daily Record, St. Mirren have lost out at the last minute to sign Francis, having agreed a deal with Gary Caldwell’s side yesterday for a loan move for the remainder of the season.
It is believed that the former Notts County man was scheduled to arrive in Paisley to finalise the deal with the Scottish Premiership side, but instead informed Buddies manager Stephen Robinson of his decision to cancel the move.
St. Mirren have already secured deals from within League One, also signing Stevenage striker Jake Young and Cardiff City‘s Kion Etete following his failed loan spell at Rotherham United.
Arriving from Gateshead for an undisclosed fee in 2024, Francis has been a reliable squad option in Devon in his first season, but has since fallen out of favour with 15 appearances in total this campaign, six of which have come in cup competitions.
He has six months left on his contract at St James’ Park, but the Grecians hold an option to extend the deal for a further year.
Does Francis Have A Future At Exeter?
With Ed Francis pulling the plug on his move to St. Mirren, questions remain as to where his place may be going forward.
Ethan Brierley and Jack McMillan have been a reliable pair so far this season for Exeter City, and with other options like Jack Doyle-Hayes and Kevin McDonald still around, his place in the squad seems uncertain amid a strong spell of form.
With the Grecians willing to let him leave, it seems that should another side make an offer for the 26-year-old come in, they would be willing to allow their number eight to exit before the deadline.