Herald football writer Michael Burgess spent two days in camp with Auckland FC, on their first trip to Australia this season. Video / MIchael Burgess
In a search for new opportunities, Marlee Francois has taken the long road.
The 22-year-old winger signed with Auckland FC last week after being released by Championship side Bristol City in a move that takes him 18,366km across the globe to a new club.
England has been his home for over a decade, after moving to the UK in 2013 from New South Wales, but Francois tells the Herald his Australian background will allow him to acclimatise faster than most undertaking such a journey.
“It’s a new thing, moving to the other side of the world, literally probably the furthest I could go from England.
“It’s a lot, but it wasn’t too scary because obviously I have that Australian background so I know the A-League, I know the national team, so it wasn’t like I was going somewhere completely new, but it’s a new thing in terms of my career.”
That career has seen Francois turn out for Fulham and Bristol City’s youth sides, appearing twice for the Bristol first team in the FA Cup, as well as a loan stint with Bath City in the sixth tier of English football – the move to Auckland presented an opportunity to join a club that can make immediate use of his skill set.
After All Whites midfielder Joe Champness left Auckland FC just eight games into their inaugural season without making an appearance, leaving the A-League newcomers searching for a wide player to come in, Francois’ agent told him the club were on the hunt for wingers and contact was made.
Marlee Francois during an FA Cup appearance for Bristol City FC. Photo / Getty Images
Auckland FC coach Steve Corica said Francois fits the bill for his side in that he enjoys time in possession and offers versatility in being comfortable on either flank.
“He’s young, got a lot of pace, a lot of potential, and likes playing with the ball at his feet. He can also play of either side of the midfield so provides us with options.”
That sentiment is echoed by Francois, who says he wants to come to Auckland and bring goals with him and put on a show for those wearing blue and black at Go Media Stadium.
“That’s always the target as an attacker to score goals and get stats and help the team out in every way possible. So, yeah, that’s something I’m coming in to try and help and strengthen.
“Excite the fans also, which is just a bonus to the stats for sure.”
Easing the transition to life in New Zealand will be the arrival of his fiancee who, pending a visa application, will be joining him to embark on the next chapter of their lives together.
An A-League title push is on the immediate horizon in a footballing sense, but Francois’ move back down under could be a step in the right direction toward another, more personal goal.
Having represented the Australian under-23 side, being closer to home and those with power to call on him for the full national team was a drawcard for the move to Auckland with one eye on the 2026 Fifa World Cup, he says.
“That was one of the kind of pros to coming down here as well, because, you know, the Socceroos opportunity. I’ll be more within their vicinity to watch games and everything.
“So, yeah, that was a bonus and obviously that’s always a goal of mine to play in the Socceroos and play on an international level and with the World Cup coming up soon as well, it’s in my goals to be a part of.”
Unable to travel with the team to Perth last weekend, where Auckland FC were unseated from the top of the A-League ladder via a shock 1-0 loss to the Glory, Francois will be available for selection for the Black Knights next match against Melbourne City on Saturday January 18.
Will Toogood is an online sports editor and golf reporter for the NZ Herald. He enjoys watching people chase a ball around on a grass surface so much he decided to make a living out of it.
