Tributes to former Market Drayton footballer killed in Australia crash

Jason Francis, a former defender for Market Drayton Town, was struck by a car in Scarborough, Perth at 8pm, and was taken to the Royal Perth Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

He was struck by a Domino's pizza delivery car, and the 18-year-old driver stopped and called police.

Tributes have been paid to the 29-year-old former footballer, from Bridgnorth, who played for the successful Drayton side which progressed through the leagues between 2005 and 2010.

The club's website said Mr Francis, who also served in the RAF, was well known for his 'power house displays', during the clubs rise up the leagues in the region.

Club captain Paul McMullen said: "You young man were such a fine piece of our puzzle at MDTFC during our success and it was a pleasure to be part of it playing along side of you."

Over the weekend, police in the Western Australia area blocked off Stanley Street where he was struck, and investigators were examining the scene.

A spokesperson for Domino's passed on condolences to Mr Francis' family, and said it was working closely alongside the police.

No one has been charged following the crash, and police are appealing for witnesses.

Current long serving Drayton boss Martyn Davies also paid tribute to the player known to his team mates as 'Frannie'.

He said: "Everyone has something good to say about someone when they die young but in Frannie’s case nothing can be good enough.

“He was a 100 per center off the field as well as on it. You know he would run through a brick wall for his team and that was true of life too.

“He was honest, reliable and genuine – a truly big hearted guy, great to have in your team and your club and a true friend away from football too.

“The club and players past and present send their condolences to family and friends and we will want to make a fitting tribute to a player we will all remember for the wholehearted support he gave his mates, his team, their supporters and the club.”